最新美国发明专利第2010-07-06期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07749938B2	Catalyst for nitrogen oxide removal and exhaust gas treatment method A catalyst for nitrogen oxide removal, which catalytically reduces nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas in the presence of ammonia, comprises: a first component comprising an oxide of titanium, an oxide of tungsten, and an oxide of vanadium; and a second component comprising an oxide of manganese, or an oxide of manganese and an oxide of copper.
US07749937B2	Catalyst composition, its preparation and use An unsupported catalyst composition which comprises one or more Group VIb metals, one or more Group VIII metals, and a refractory oxide material which comprises 50 wt % or more titania, on oxide basis, which is prepared by precipitation techniques, finds use in the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbonaceous feedstocks.
US07749935B2	Catalyst carrier and fuel cell using the same A catalyst carrier, being characterized in that a catalyst metal for promoting an oxidation-reduction reaction is carried on a vapor-grown carbon fiber having an average outer diameter of from 2 nm to 500 nm, which has been subjected to a crushing treatment so as to have a BET specific surface area of from 4 m2/g to 100 m2/g and an aspect ratio of from 1 to 200, and exhibiting high activity per unit amount of a catalyst metal, a low reaction resistance and an improved output density, and is useful for a fuel cell; a production method thereof and a fuel cell using the catalyst carrier.
US07749934B2	Protected catalytic composition and its preparation and use for preparing polymers from ethylenically unsaturated monomers A method for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, including non-polar olefinic monomers, polar olefinic monomers, and combinations thereof, using a protected catalytic composition in an aqueous medium, is disclosed. An aqueous dispersion containing the protected catalytic composition is also disclosed, along with an aqueous dispersion of the addition polymer produced by the polymerization.
US07749932B2	Composition, sintered product of silicon nitride, article of manufacture, and cutting method A sintered product of silicon nitride includes a crystal phase mainly having silicon nitride crystal grains and an amorphous grain-boundary phase located on the grain boundaries of the silicon nitride crystal grains. The grain-boundary phase contains lanthanum, aluminum, magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. The sintered product described above contains 0.1% by mass or more of lanthanum on an oxide basis, 0.05 to 0.6% by mass of aluminum on an oxide basis, 0.3% by mass or more of magnesium on an oxide basis, and 2.5% by mass or less of oxygen. The total amount of lanthanum on an oxide basis, aluminum on an oxide basis, and magnesium on an oxide basis is 3.5% by mass or less.
US07749931B2	Ceramic optical parts and production methods thereof A ceramic material for an optical member which shows black, wherein the ceramic material comprises a reaction-sintered sintered ceramic body prepared by synthesizing a formed body of a mixture comprising a ceramic raw material and a component that accelerates blackening, making use of a reaction sintering; and wherein the ceramic material is a porous body.
US07749927B2	Tethered corners and flanges and articles comprising the same Tethered flange corners including at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers. Also included are flanges having a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers, at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers, at least one ply of filler fibers applied over the fiber tow, and at least one ply of flange fibers applied over the filler fibers. Additionally included are articles incorporating a composite structure having a flange with a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers.
US07749926B2	Wet type friction member A friction plate 22 is formed by pasting a friction member 25 to a core plate 23 of a metal. Numeral 24 designates a spline teeth fitted to a torque transmitting member. The friction member has a nonwoven cloth including aramide fiber and at least one of carbon fiber, carbonized fiber, cellulose fiber and rayon. A thermo-hardening resin includes a friction conditioner, and is impregnated to the friction member. Further, a distribution rate of the friction conditioner is made to be high at a friction surface and is gradually lowered toward a bottom surface. Further, in manufacturing the wet type friction member, a roll, an ultrasonic wave transmitter, a vacuuming apparatus on the like is used.
US07749923B2	Facing and faced insulation products A facing laminate for insulation products includes: a foil or metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer of the laminate that is adapted be bonded directly to a surface of an insulation product; a paper composite sheet layer, which may include synthetic and/or inorganic fibers, forming an outer exposed layer of the laminate; and a scrim intermediate and bonded to the foil or metallized polymeric film sheet and paper composite sheet layers. The facing laminate may include a humectant and/or a water, oil, and/or grease repellant component. The paper composite sheet layer of the laminate exhibits greater dimensional stability and reduced wrinkling when the laminate is exposed to conditions of high humidity. Insulation products to be faced with this facing laminate include pipe insulation, duct board, duct wrap insulation, metal building insulation, and other building insulation products.
US07749922B2	Nanowire structures and electrical devices The present invention provides structures and devices comprising conductive segments and conductance constricting segments of a nanowire, such as metallic, superconducting or semiconducting nanowire. The present invention provides structures and devices comprising conductive nanowire segments and conductance constricting nanowire segments having accurately selected phases including crystalline and amorphous states, compositions, morphologies and physical dimensions, including selected cross sectional dimensions, shapes and lengths along the length of a nanowire. Further, the present invention provides methods of processing nanowires capable of patterning a nanowire to form a plurality of conductance constricting segments having selected positions along the length of a nanowire, including conductance constricting segments having reduced cross sectional dimensions and conductance constricting segments comprising one or more insulating materials such as metal oxides.
US07749917B1	Dry cleaning of silicon surface for solar cell applications A method and apparatus for cleaning layers of solar cell substrates is disclosed. The substrate is exposed to a reactive gas that may comprise neutral radicals comprising nitrogen and fluorine, or that may comprise anhydrous HF and water, alcohol, or a mixture of water and alcohol. The reactive gas may further comprise a carrier gas. The reactive gas etches the solar cell substrate surface, removing oxygen and other impurities. When exposed to the neutral radicals, the substrate grows a thin film containing ammonium hexafluorosilicate, which is subsequently removed by heat treatment.
US07749916B2	Additive printed mask process and structures produced thereby A digital lithographic process first deposits a mask layer comprised of print patterned mask features. The print patterned mask features define gaps into which a target material may be deposited, preferably through a digital lithographic process. The target material is cured or hardened, if necessary, into target features. The mask layer is then selectively removed. The remaining target features may then be used as exposure or etch masks, physical structures such as fluid containment elements, etc. Fine feature widths, narrower the minimum width of the print patterned mask features, may be obtained while realizing the benefits of digital lithography in the manufacturing process.
US07749912B2	Method for fabricating bulb-shaped recess pattern A method for fabricating a bulb-shaped recess pattern includes: forming an etch barrier layer over a substrate; forming a hard mask pattern in which a first polymer is attached to sidewalls of the hard mask pattern over the etch barrier layer; sequentially etching the etch barrier layer and the substrate to form a recess pattern in which a second polymer is attached to sidewalls of the recess pattern; removing the first and second polymers and the hard mask pattern; forming a plurality of spacers exposing a bottom portion of the recess pattern; and etching the exposed bottom portion of the recess pattern to form a ball pattern.
US07749911B2	Method for forming an improved T-shaped gate structure A T-shaped gate structure and method for forming the same the method including providing a semiconductor substrate comprising at least one overlying sacrificial layer; lithographically patterning a resist layer overlying the at least one sacrificial layer for etching an opening; forming the etched opening through a thickness of the at least one sacrificial layer to expose the semiconductor substrate, said etched opening comprising a tapered cross section having a wider upper portion compared to a bottom portion; and, backfilling the etched opening with a gate electrode material to form a gate structure.
US07749907B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A first layer is formed over a substrate, a light absorbing layer is formed over the first layer, and a layer having a light-transmitting property is formed over the light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer is selectively irradiated with a laser beam via the layer having a light-transmitting property. When the light absorbing layer absorbs energy of the laser beam, due to emission of gas that is within the light absorbing layer, or sublimation, evaporation, or the like of the light absorbing layer, a part of the light absorbing layer and a part of the layer having a light-transmitting property in contact with the light absorbing layer are removed. By using the remaining part of the layer having a light-transmitting property or the remaining part of the light absorbing layer as a mask and etching the first layer, the first layer can be processed into a desired shape.
US07749905B2	Vertical Fet with nanowire channels and a silicided bottom contact A vertical FET structure with nanowire forming the FET channels is disclosed. The nanowires are formed over a conductive silicide layer. The nanowires are gated by a surrounding gate. Top and bottom insulator plugs function as gate spacers and reduce the gate-source and gate-drain capacitance.
US07749902B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor device Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using double patterning. The method includes: forming a first material layer pattern having recesses in a first direction on an object layer and a second material layer pattern formed on the first material layer pattern; selectively etching the second material layer pattern and the first material layer pattern in a direction perpendicular to the first direction to form an etching mask; and etching the object layer to form minute patterns.
US07749900B2	Method and core materials for semiconductor packaging A semiconductor package comprises a semiconductor substrate that may comprise a core. The core may comprise one or more materials selected from a group comprising ceramics and glass dielectrics. The package further comprises a set of one or more inner conductive elements that is provided on the core, a set of one or more outer conductive elements that is provided on an outer side of the substrate, and a semiconductor die to couple to the substrate via one or more of the outer conductive elements. Example materials for the core may comprise one or more from alumina, zirconia, carbides, nitrides, fused silica, quartz, sapphire, and Pyrex. A laser may be used to drill one or more plated through holes to couple an inner conductive element to an outer conductive element. A dielectric layer may be formed in the substrate to insulate an outer conductive element from the core or an inner conductive element.
US07749899B2	Microelectronic workpieces and methods and systems for forming interconnects in microelectronic workpieces Methods and systems for forming electrical interconnects through microelectronic workpieces are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an electrical interconnect in a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of dies. Each die can include at least one terminal electrically coupled to an integrated circuit. The method can include forming a blind hole in a first side of the workpiece, and forming a vent in a second side of the workpiece in fluid communication with the blind hole. The method can further include moving, e.g., by sucking and/or wetting, electrically conductive material into at least a portion of the blind hole by drawing at least a partial vacuum in the vent. In one embodiment, the blind hole can extend through one of the terminals on the workpiece. In this embodiment, the electrically conductive material forms an interconnect that extends through the workpiece and is electrically coupled to the terminal.
US07749894B2	Integrated circuit processing system An integrated circuit processing system is provided including providing a substrate having an integrated circuit, forming an interconnect layer over the integrated circuit, applying a low-K dielectric layer over the interconnect layer, applying an ultra low-K dielectric layer over the low-K dielectric layer, forming an opening through the ultra low-K dielectric layer and the low-K dielectric layer to the interconnect layer, depositing an interconnect metal in the opening, and chemical-mechanical polishing the interconnect metal and the ultra low-K dielectric layer.
US07749893B2	Methods and systems for low interfacial oxide contact between barrier and copper metallization The present invention relates to methods and systems for the metallization of semiconductor devices. One aspect of the present invention is a method of depositing a copper layer onto a barrier layer so as to produce a substantially oxygen free interface therebetween. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substantially oxide free surface of the barrier layer. The method also includes depositing an amount of atomic layer deposition (ALD) copper on the oxide free surface of the barrier layer effective to prevent oxidation of the barrier layer. The method further includes depositing a gapfill copper layer over the ALD copper. Another aspect of the present invention is a system for depositing a copper layer onto barrier layer so as to produce a substantially oxygen-free interface therebetween. In one embodiment, the integrated system includes at least one barrier deposition module. The system also includes an ALD copper deposition module configured to deposit copper by atomic layer deposition. The system further includes a copper gapfill module and at least one transfer module coupled to the at least one barrier deposition module and to the ALD copper deposition module. The transfer module is configured so that the substrate can be transferred between the modules substantially without exposure to an oxide-forming environment.
US07749889B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a size approximately same as the size of a semiconductor chip when viewed in a plan view, in which the semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded to a wiring pattern, and an object of the invention is to provide the manufacturing method of a semiconductor device which allows reduction in the number of process steps to realize the minimization of manufacturing cost. An insulating resin 13 is formed so as to cover a plurality of internal connection terminals 12 and a surface of a plurality of semiconductor chips 11 on which the plurality of internal connection terminals are provided, then a metal layer 33 for forming a wiring pattern is formed over the insulating resin 13, and by pressing the metal layer 33, the metal layer 33 and the plurality of internal connection terminals 12 are pressure-bonded.
US07749884B2	Method of forming an electronic device using a separation-enhancing species A method of forming an electronic device can include forming a metallic layer by an electrochemical process over a side of a substrate that includes a semiconductor material. The method can also include introducing a separation-enhancing species into the substrate at a distance from the side, and separating a semiconductor layer and the metallic layer from the substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer is a portion of the substrate. In a particular embodiment, the separation-enhancing species can be incorporated into a metallic layer and moved into the substrate, and in particular embodiment, the separation-enhancing species can be implanted into the substrate. In still another embodiment, both the techniques can be used. In a further embodiment, a dual-sided process can be performed.
US07749881B2	Formation of a masking layer on a dielectric region to facilitate formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions separated by the dielectric region A masking layer is formed on a dielectric region of an electronic device so that, during subsequent formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions of the electronic device that are separated by the dielectric region, the masking layer inhibits formation of capping layer material on or in the dielectric region. The capping layer can be formed selectively on the electrically conductive regions or non-selectively; in either case (particularly in the latter), capping layer material formed over the dielectric region can subsequently be removed, thus ensuring that capping layer material is formed only on the electrically conductive regions. Silane-based materials, such as silane-based SAMs, can be used to form the masking layer. The capping layer can be formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a cobalt alloy, a nickel alloy, tungsten, tantalum, tantalum nitride), a semiconductor material, or an electrically insulative material, and can be formed using any appropriate process, including conventional deposition processes such as electroless deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
US07749880B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a gate electrode is formed over a semiconductor substrate. An insulating film is then formed on the gate electrode and on regions corresponding to a source and a drain of the semiconductor integrated circuit device. The source and the drain are then formed. A nitride film is then selectively formed over the source and the gate electrode via the insulating film so that the nitride film extends over the gate electrode to a position short of a center of the gate electrode in a length direction thereof and so that a width of the nitride film is shorter than a channel width of the semiconductor integrated circuit device.
US07749878B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device Embodiments relate to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that may be capable of obtaining a stable device characteristic by securing an optimal CD of a gate. In embodiments, a method may include forming a gate oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a photoresist pattern at a first region of an upper portion of the gate oxide layer, forming an insulating layer on the substrate of a second region except for the photoresist pattern, removing the photoresist pattern after a formation of the insulating layer, forming a polysilicon on the substrate from which the photoresist pattern is removed, planarizing the polysilicon to expose the insulating layer in order to form a gate, forming sidewalls at both sides of the gate: and implanting ions in a resulting object using the sidewalls as a mask to form source/drain.
US07749877B2	Process for forming Schottky rectifier with PtNi silicide Schottky barrier A process for forming a Schottky barrier to silicon to a barrier height selected at a value between 640 meV and 840 meV employs the deposition of a platinum or nickel film atop the silicon surface followed by the deposition of the other of a platinum or nickel film atop the first film. The two films are then exposed to anneal steps at suitable temperatures to cause their interdiffusion and an ultimate formation of Ni2Si and Pt2Si contacts to the silicon surface. The final silicide has a barrier height between that of the Pt and Ni, and will depend on the initial thicknesses of the Pt and Ni films and annealing temperature and time. Oxygen is injected into the system to form and SiO2 passivation layer to improve the self aligned process.
US07749874B2	Deep implant self-aligned to polysilicon gate A CMOS image sensor includes a pinned photodiode and a transfer gate that are formed using a thick mask that is self-aligned to at least one edge of the polysilicon gate structure to facilitate both the formation of a deep implant and to provide proper alignment between the photodiode implant and the gate. In one embodiment a drain side implant is formed concurrently with the deep n-type implant of the photodiode. After the deep implant, the mask is removed and a shallow p+ implant is formed to complete the photodiode. In another embodiment, the polysilicon is etched to define only a drain side edge, a shallow drain side implant is performed, and then a thick mask is provided and used to complete the gate structure, and is retained during the subsequent high energy implant. Alternatively, the high energy implant is performed prior to the shallow drain side implant.
US07749872B2	Crystalline-type device and approach therefor Single-crystalline growth is realized using a liquid-phase crystallization approach involving the inhibition of defects typically associated with liquid-phase crystalline growth of lattice mismatched materials. According to one example embodiment, a semiconductor device structure includes a substantially single-crystal region. A liquid-phase material, such as Ge or a semiconductor compound, is crystallized to form the single-crystal region using an approach involving defect inhibition for the promotion of single-crystalline growth. In some instances, this defect inhibition involves the reduction and/or elimination of defects using a relatively small physical opening via which a crystalline growth front propagates. In other instances, this defect inhibition involves causing a change in crystallization front direction relative to a crystallization seed location. The relatively small physical opening and/or the change in crystalline front direction may be implemented, for example, using a material that is substantially unreactive with the liquid-phase material to contain the crystalline growth.
US07749871B2	Method for depositing nanolaminate thin films on sensitive surfaces The present method provides tools for growing conformal metal nitride, metal carbide and metal thin films, and nanolaminate structures incorporating these films, from aggressive chemicals. The amount of corrosive chemical compounds, such as hydrogen halides, is reduced during the deposition of transition metal, transition metal carbide and transition metal nitride thin films on various surfaces, such as metals and oxides. Getter compounds protect surfaces sensitive to hydrogen halides and ammonium halides, such as aluminum, copper, silicon oxide and the layers being deposited, against corrosion. Nanolaminate structures (20) incorporating metal nitrides, such as titanium nitride (30) and tungsten nitride (40), and metal carbides, and methods for forming the same, are also disclosed.
US07749870B2	Method for producing SOI substrate Provided is a method for producing an SOI substrate comprising a transparent insulating substrate and a silicon film formed on a first major surface of the insulating substrate wherein a second major surface of the insulating substrate which is opposite to the major surface is roughened, the method suppressing the generation of metal impurities and particles in a simple and easy way. More specifically, provided is a method for producing an SOI substrate comprising a transparent insulating substrate, a silicon film formed on a first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, and a roughened second major surface, which is opposite to the first major surface, the method comprising steps of: providing the transparent insulating substrate, mirror surface-processing at least the first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, forming a silicon film on the first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, and laser-processing the second major surface of the transparent insulating substrate so as to roughen the second major surface by using a laser.
US07749868B2	Process of forming a curved profile on a semiconductor substrate A semiconductor substrate shaped to have a curved surface profile by anodization. Prior to being anodized, the substrate is finished with an anode pattern on its bottom surface so as to be consolidated into a unitary structure in which the anode pattern is precisely reproduced on the substrate. The anodization utilizes an electrolytic solution which etches out an oxidized portion as soon as it is formed as a result of the anodization, to thereby develop a porous layer in a pattern in match with the anode pattern. The anode pattern brings about an in-plane distribution of varying electric field intensity by which the porous layer develops into a shape complementary to a desired surface profile. Upon completion of the anodization, the curves surface is revealed on the surface of the substrate by etching out the porous layer and the anode pattern from the substrate.
US07749864B2	Semiconductor device with a thinned semiconductor chip and method for producing the thinned semiconductor chip A semiconductor device with a thinned semiconductor chip and a method for producing the latter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thinned semiconductor chip has a top side with contact areas and a rear side with a rear side electrode. In this case, the rear side electrode is cohesively connected to a chip pad of a circuit carrier via an electrically conductive layer. In another embodiment, the thinned semiconductor chips of this semiconductor device according to the invention have low-microdefect edge side regions with semiconductor element structures and edge sides patterned by etching technology.
US07749860B2	Method for forming a self-aligned T-shaped isolation trench The present invention relates to a method for forming an isolation trench structure in a semiconductor substrate without causing deleterious topographical depressions in the upper surface thereof which cause current and charge leakage to an adjacent active area. The inventive method forms a pad oxide upon a semiconductor substrate, and then forms a nitride layer on the pad oxide. The nitride layer is patterned with a mask and etched to expose a portion of the pad oxide layer and to protect an active area in the semiconductor substrate that remains covered with the nitride layer. A second dielectric layer is formed substantially conformably over the pad oxide layer and the remaining portions of the first dielectric layer. A spacer etch is then carried out to form a spacer from the second dielectric layer. The spacer is in contact with the remaining portion of the first dielectric layer. An isolation trench etch follows the spacer etch. An optional thermal oxidation of the surfaces in the isolation trench may be performed, which may optionally be followed by doping of the bottom of the isolation trench to further isolate neighboring active regions on either side of the isolation trench. A conformal layer is formed substantially conformably over the spacer, over the remaining portions of the first dielectric layer, and substantially filling the isolation trench. Planarization of the conformal layer follows, either by CMP or by etchback or by a combination thereof. An isolation trench filled with a structure results. The resulting structure has a flange and shaft, the cross-section of which has a nail shape in cross-section.
US07749859B2	Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a workpiece having a buried layer disposed beneath a top portion of the workpiece. An isolation ring structure is disposed within the top portion of the workpiece extending completely through at least a portion of the buried layer, the isolation ring structure comprising a ring having an interior region. A diffusion confining structure is disposed within the interior region of the isolation ring structure. A conductive region is disposed within the top portion of the workpiece within a portion of the interior of the isolation ring structure, the conductive region comprising at least one dopant element implanted and diffused into the top portion of the workpiece. The diffusion confining structure defines at least one edge of the conductive region, and the conductive region is coupled to the buried layer.
US07749858B2	Process for producing an MOS transistor and corresponding integrated circuit A silicon substrate (SOI) is placed on a buried oxide layer (BOX). An MOS transistor is produced in an active zone of the substrate which is defined by an isolating region. A gate region and source and drain regions, which between them define a channel, are produced so that the gate region extends above the channel. The isolating region is produced by localized formation of a zone of material that can be selectively etched with respect to silicon. That material is selectively etched, and a dielectric material is deposited in the etched feature. The etching is carried out after the gate region has been produced.
US07749851B2	Semiconductor device and method for fabricating semiconductor device According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device including a first conductive type semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed over the semiconductor substrate via a gate insulator, a first conductive impurity region buried in the semiconductor substrate, the first conductive impurity region being both sides of an extend plane, the extend plane being extended from side-walls of the gate electrode into the semiconductor substrate and a second conductive type source/drain region partially overlapping with the first conductive impurity region and extending from an end of the gate electrode at the semiconductor substrate to an outer region in the semiconductor substrate, wherein a first conductive impurity concentration at a prescribed depth in the overlapping portion between the first conductive impurity region and the source/drain region is lower than the first conductive impurity concentration in the first conductive impurity region except the overlapping portion corresponding to the prescribed depth.
US07749849B2	Methods of selectively oxidizing semiconductor structures, and structures resulting therefrom Methods for selectively oxidizing a semiconductor structure include generating a gas cluster ion beam comprising an oxidizing source gas, directing the gas cluster ion beam to a region of a substrate adjacent a conductive line and exposing the region to the gas cluster ion beam including an oxidizing matter. Utilizing the gas cluster ion beam enables selective oxidation of a targeted region at temperatures substantially lower than those of typical oxidation processes thus, reducing or eliminating oxidation of the conductive line. Semiconductor devices including transistors formed using such methods are also disclosed.
US07749841B2	Method of fabricating nonvolatile semiconductor memory device A method of fabricating a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes the steps of: (a) forming a layered dielectric film on the semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a first conductive film on the layered dielectric film; (c) forming a first dielectric film on the first conductive film; (d) patterning the first dielectric film and the first conductive film to form a layered pattern composed of first dielectric films and first conductive films; and (e) implanting a first impurity along a direction having an inclination angle to a normal direction to a principal plane of the semiconductor substrate by using the layered pattern as a mask to form a first impurity diffusion layer being the same in conductivity type as the semiconductor substrate, wherein, step (d) includes patterning the first dielectric film to form the first dielectric films having a shape with a width narrower in an upper surface than in a lower surface.
US07749839B2	Semiconductor device including a floating gate electrode having stacked structure A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer having a plurality of element regions in its surface area, which are delimited by at least one element isolation trench, a plurality of floating gate electrodes provided on the element regions with a first gate insulation film interposed therebetween and each including a first charge-storage layer having a first width which is equal to that of each of the element regions and a second charge-storage layer stacked on the first charge-storage layer and having a second width which is smaller than the first width, and a plurality of control gate electrodes provided on the floating gate electrodes with a second gate insulation films interposed therebetween. The device further includes an element isolating insulation film buried into the element isolation trench. The top surface of the element isolating insulation film is located higher than that of the first charge-storage layer.
US07749838B2	Fabricating method of non-volatile memory cell A super-silicon-rich oxide (SSRO) non-volatile memory cell includes a gate conductive layer on a substrate, a source/drain in the substrate at respective sides of the gate conductive layer, a tunneling dielectric layer between the gate conductive layer and the substrate, a SSRO layer serving as a charge trapping layer between the gate conductive layer and the tunneling dielectric layer, and an upper-dielectric layer between the gate conductive layer and the SSRO layer.
US07749833B2	Semiconductor MOS transistor device and method for making the same A method of manufacturing a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor device is disclosed. A gate dielectric layer is formed on an active area of a substrate. A gate electrode is patterned on the gate dielectric layer. The gate electrode has vertical sidewalls and a top surface. A liner is formed on the vertical sidewalls of the gate electrode. A nitride spacer is formed on the liner. An ion implanted is performed to form a source/drain region. After salicide process, an STI region that isolates the active area is recessed, thereby forming a step height at interface between the active area and the STI region. The nitride spacer is removed. A nitride cap layer that borders the liner is deposited. The nitride cap layer has a specific stress status.
US07749832B2	Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof Methods of forming transistors and structures thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a workpiece, a gate dielectric disposed over the workpiece, and a thin layer of conductive material disposed over the gate dielectric. A layer of semiconductive material is disposed over the thin layer of conductive material. The layer of semiconductive material and the thin layer of conductive material comprise a gate electrode of a transistor. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate dielectric. The thin layer of conductive material comprises a thickness of about 50 Angstroms or less.
US07749830B2	CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) devices having metal gate NFETS and poly-silicon gate PFETS A semiconductor structure fabrication method. The method includes providing a structure which includes (a) first and second semiconductor regions, (b) first and second gate dielectric regions on the first and second semiconductor regions, respectively, (c) a high-K dielectric region on the first gate dielectric region, K being greater than 4, (d) an electrically conductive layer on the high-K dielectric region, (e) a poly-silicon layer on the electrically conductive layer and the second gate dielectric region, and (f) a hard mask layer on the poly-silicon layer. The hard mask layer is patterned resulting in first and second hard mask regions. The poly-silicon layer is etched with the first and second hard mask regions as blocking masks resulting in first and second poly-silicon regions. The first and second poly-silicon regions are exposed to a surrounding ambient.
US07749829B2	Step height reduction between SOI and EPI for DSO and BOS integration A semiconductor process and apparatus provides a planarized hybrid substrate (16) by removing a nitride mask layer (96) and using an oxide polish stop layer (92) when an epitaxial semiconductor layer (99) is being polished for DSO and BOS integrations. To this end, an initial SOI wafer semiconductor stack (11) is formed which includes one or more oxide polish stop layers (91, 92) formed between the SOI semiconductor layer (90) and a nitride mask layer (93). The oxide polish stop layer (92) may be formed by depositing a densified LPCVD layer of TEOS to a thickness of approximately 100-250 Angstroms.
US07749828B2	Method of manufacturing group III Nitride Transistor Affords high electron mobility transistors having a high-purity channel layer and a high-resistance buffer layer. A high electron mobility transistor 11 is provided with a supporting substrate 13 composed of gallium nitride, a buffer layer 15 composed of a first gallium nitride semiconductor, a channel layer 17 composed of a second gallium nitride semiconductor, a semiconductor layer 19 composed of a third gallium nitride semiconductor, and electrode structures (a gate electrode 21, a source electrode 23 and a drain electrode 25) for the transistor 11. The band gap of the third gallium nitride semiconductor is broader than that of the second gallium nitride semiconductor. The carbon concentration NC1 of the first gallium nitride semiconductor is 4×1017 cm−3 or more. The carbon concentration NC2 of the second gallium nitride semiconductor is less than 4×1016 cm−3.
US07749825B2	Forming a thin transistor with a redundant source of drain electrode An object is to obtain a semiconductor device with improved characteristics by reducing contact resistance of a semiconductor film with electrodes or wirings, and improving coverage of the semiconductor film and the electrodes or wirings. The present invention relates to a semiconductor device including a gate electrode over a substrate, a gate insulating film over the gate electrode, a first source or drain electrode over the gate insulating film, an island-shaped semiconductor film over the first source or drain electrode, and a second source or drain electrode over the island-shaped semiconductor film and the first source or drain electrode. Further, the second source or drain electrode is in contact with the first source or drain electrode, and the island-shaped semiconductor film is sandwiched between the first source or drain electrode and the second source or drain electrode. Moreover, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method of the semiconductor device.
US07749821B2	Method of fabricating pixel structure A method of fabricating a pixel structure includes first forming a first, a second, and a third dielectric layers over an active device and a substrate. Etching rates of the first and the third dielectric layers are lower than an etching rate of the second dielectric layer. A contact opening exposing a portion of the active device is formed in the third, the second, and the first dielectric layers. The third and the second dielectric layers are patterned to form a number of stacked structures. An electrode material layer is formed and fills the contact opening. The electrode material layer located on the stacked structures and the electrode material layer located on the first dielectric layer are separated. The stacked structures and the electrode material layer thereon are simultaneously removed to define a pixel electrode and to form at least an alignment slit in the pixel electrode.
US07749815B2	Methods for depositing tungsten after surface treatment In one embodiment, a method for forming a tungsten-containing material on a substrate is provided which includes positioning a substrate containing a metal nitride barrier layer within a process chamber and exposing the substrate to a reagent gas containing diborane to form a reagent layer on the metal nitride barrier layer. The method further provides exposing the substrate sequentially to a tungsten precursor and a reductant to form a nucleation layer during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and subsequently depositing a bulk layer over the nucleation layer. The bulk layer may contain copper, but generally contains tungsten deposited by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. In some examples, the bulk layer may be used to fill apertures within the substrate.
US07749814B2	Semiconductor device with integrated passive circuit and method of making the same using sacrificial substrate A semiconductor device is made by providing a sacrificial substrate, forming a first insulating layer over the sacrificial substrate, forming a first passivation layer over the first insulating layer, forming a second insulating layer over the first passivation layer, forming an integrated passive device over the second insulating layer, forming a wafer support structure over the integrated passive device, removing the sacrificial substrate to expose the first insulating layer after forming the wafer support structure, and forming an interconnect structure over the first insulating layer in electrical contact with the integrated passive device. The integrated passive device includes an inductor, capacitor, or resistor. The sacrificial substrate is removed by mechanical grinding and wet etching. The wafer support structure can be glass, ceramic, silicon, or molding compound. The interconnect structure can include a solder bump, wire bond, and intermediate conduction layer formed on a backside of the semiconductor device.
US07749812B2	Heat sink with thermally compliant beams A heat dissipating structure includes: a heat spreader; and a plurality of compliant beams attached to the heat spreader. The beams are formed of a high-conductive material such that a maximum stress of each beam is less than a fatigue stress of the high-conductive material; said beams are placed at an angle relative to a chip surface such that the beams are able to exert bending compliance in response to x, y, and z forces exerted upon them. The structure also includes a thermal material interface for bonding said structure to the chip surface. Both the heat spreader and the compliant beams can be machined from a copper block. An alternative heat dissipating structure includes compliant beams soldered to the chip surface.
US07749811B2	Tin phosphate barrier film, method, and apparatus A method is disclosed for inhibiting oxygen and moisture penetration of a device comprising the steps of depositing a tin phosphate low liquidus temperature (LLT) inorganic material on at least a portion of the device to create a deposited tin phosphate LLT material, and heat treating the deposited LLT material in a substantially oxygen and moisture free environment to form a hermetic seal; wherein the step of depositing the LLT material comprises the use of a resistive heating element comprising tungsten. An organic electronic device is also disclosed comprising a substrate plate, at least one electronic or optoelectronic layer, and a tin phosphate LLT barrier layer, wherein the electronic or optoelectronic layer is hermetically sealed between the tin phosphate LLT barrier layer and the substrate plate. An apparatus is also disclosed having at least a portion thereof sealed with a tin phosphate LLT barrier layer.
US07749806B2	Fabricating process of a chip package structure A fabricating process of a chip package structure is provided. First, a first substrate having a plurality of first bonding pads and a second substrate having a plurality of second bonding pads are provide, wherein a plurality of bumps are formed on the first bonding pads of the first substrate. A first two-stage adhesive layer is formed on the first substrate and is B-stagized to form a first B-staged adhesive layer. A second two-stage adhesive layer is formed on the second substrate and is B-stagized to form a second B-staged adhesive layer. Then, the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded via the first B-staged adhesive layer and the second B-staged adhesive layer such that each of the first bonding pads is respectively electrically connected to one of the second bonding pads via one of the bumps.
US07749805B2	Method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including an electrolyte material layer A method for manufacturing an electrolyte material layer with a chalcogenide material incorporated or deposited therein for use in semiconductor memory devices, in particular resistively-switching memory devices or components. The method comprises the steps of producing a semiconductor substrate, depositing a binary chalcogenide layer onto the semiconductor substrate, depositing a sulphur-containing layer onto the binary chalcogenide layer, and creating a ternary chalcogenide layer comprising at least two different chalcogenide compounds ASexSy. One component A of the chalcogenide compounds ASexSy comprises materials of the IV elements main group, e.g., Ge, Si, or of a transition metal, preferably of the group consisting of Zn, Cd, Hg, or a combination thereof.
US07749803B2	Organic light-emitting device including transparent conducting oxide layer as cathode and method of manufacturing the same An organic light-emitting device including a transparent conducting oxide layer as a cathode and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting device. The organic light-emitting device includes an anode disposed on a substrate. An organic functional layer including at least an organic light-emitting layer is disposed on the anode. The transparent conducting oxide layer used as the cathode is disposed on the organic functional layer. The transparent conducting oxide layer cathode is formed by plasma-assisted thermal evaporation. A microcavity structure is not formed in the organic light-emitting device, thereby avoiding a luminance change and a color shift as a function of viewing angle.
US07749785B2	Manufacturing method of group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, including a lamination step of forming a plurality of lamination films including a group III nitride semiconductor on a substrate, in which a substrate on which is formed a foundation layer including a monocrystalline group III nitride semiconductor is used as the substrate, and lamination films are formed on the foundation layer by a sputtering method, with the substrate including the foundation layer and a target made from a group III metal or an alloy including a group III metal being placed in a sputtering chamber.
US07749783B2	Method of forming a display panel A method of forming a display panel includes providing a first substrate having a transparent electrode, and a second substrate having a pixel electrode. Subsequently, an alignment material is provided and covers on the transparent electrode and/or the pixel electrode, and a photoelectric twisting layer is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. The alignment material is first in a non-aligned state, and is radiation-polymerizable. The photoelectric twisting layer does not include any radiation-polymerizable material. Thereafter, a voltage difference is applied to drive molecules of the photoelectric twisting layer, and a radiating process is performed on the alignment material. The twisted molecules of the photoelectric twisting layer induce the surface molecules of the alignment material to arrange in an ordered state, and the alignment material is polymerized according to the ordered state as a first alignment film.
US07749780B2	Polymer optoelectronic device and methods for making the same The invention relates to a polymer optoelectronic device comprising at least a transparent conductive oxide layer, an active polymer layer, a back electrode layer and a substrate layer, wherein the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer has a controlled surface structure which is characterized by having an X-value in the range of from 10 nm to 500 nm, and a Y-value in the range of from 15 nm to 1000 nm, wherein the ratio between the X-value and the Y-value (X/Y) is at most 1, whereby the X-value is defined as the average value of the height of the peaks on the surface, the Y-value is defined as the average peak to peak distance on the surface, and both the X and Y values are measured by means of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
US07749778B2	Addressable hierarchical metal wire test methodology A method of monitoring and testing electro-migration and time dependent dielectric breakdown includes forming an addressable wiring test array, which includes a plurality or horizontally disposed metal wiring and a plurality of segmented, vertically disposed probing wiring, performing a single row continuity/resistance check to determine which row of said metal wiring is open, performing a full serpentine continuity/resistance check, and determining a position of short defects.
US07749777B2	Method of applying electrical stress to low-temperature poly-crystalline thin film transistor A low-temperature poly-crystalline thin film transistor in which amorphous silicon is crystallized using a laser crystallization method or a metal induced lateral crystallization method shows an unstable electrical property since crystallization is accomplished at a low temperature. When an electrical stress is applied to the low-temperature poly-crystalline thin film transistor and a lower substrate for a display device including the same, an electrical feature thereof is enhanced. To apply an electrical stress to the low-temperature poly-crystalline thin film transistor, the source of a thin film transistor is grounded, and a critical voltage which is determined according to a gate voltage applied between the drain and the source of the thin film transistor, at a state where any gate voltage has been applied between the gate and the source of the thin film transistor.
US07749776B2	Liquid flow assays utilising a combined detection and control zone The invention relates to liquid flow assays widely applicable to target analytes, including haptens, which employ a detection zone which is a single combined analyte detection and control zone in a test strip or sheet and two labelled reagents with detectably distinguishable labels, preferably with visually contrasting colored particle labels, whereby both negative and positive samples are distinguishable by detection of different captured label signals in the detection zone.
US07749775B2	Immunoassay test device and method of use Disclosed is a diagnostic testing device that may be used to detect one or more analytes in a sample. The device comprises a receptacle and a holder for a test strip. The test strip may be, for example, a lateral flow test strip. The device and holder permit analysis of a sample, wherein the device is substantially sealed during testing and detection of results. To use, the holder containing a test strip is inserted into the receptacle containing sample to be analyzed. Capillary flow along the test strip is initiated by contact of the sample with the distal end of the test strip. The receptacle is such that results of the assay may be detected visually or using standard instrumentation such as by measuring light absorption or reflectance.
US07749773B2	Device for detection of molecules in biological fluids Disclosed is a test device and a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample. The test device includes a housing defining a sample port, a test well containing a stirrer and a conjugate, and a test strip disposed within the housing. The test well is also defined by being located between the sample port and the test strip. Fluid flows from the test well onto the test strip, which has a trapping zone which binds the analyte and allows for its detection. A control zone may also be included. The test device is generally adapted to use a sandwich assay. Also disclosed is a system comprising the test device and a signal sensing device; and a method for using the test device.
US07749768B2	Non-invasive method of determining oxygen concentration in a sealed package The invention is a method of measuring oxygen concentration in a package having an oxygen sensitive product disposed therein. The method includes exposing a luminescent compound that is disposed in an interior of the package to light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the luminescent compound so that the luminescent compound is promoted into an excited state. When the exposure of the light is terminated, the excited luminescent compound emits light that is detectable by a detector positioned outside of the package. The intensity of the emitted light is inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration and is used in conjunction with mathematical function that describes the luminescent intensity of the luminescent compound as a function of oxygen concentration and temperature to calculate the oxygen concentration. The method may be used to verify and track the oxygen concentration of a package as it moves through a distribution system.
US07749763B2	Kits and methods for evaluating hair The invention relates to kits and methods for analyzing hair, particularly for determining the amount of damage to hair, including placing hair into a solution containing at least one metal ion so that an amount of the metal ion is attached to the hair, removing the hair from the solution, determining the amount of metal ion attached to the hair, and determining the amount of damage to the hair based upon the amount of metal ion attached to the hair.
US07749761B2	Hydrogel composition for cell culture apparatus A cell culture apparatus and a method for fabricating the cell culture apparatus are disclosed, the method comprises forming at least one fillister on a biomaterial composite layer by photolithography, wherein the biomaterial composite layer contains two gel materials. One is a bio-compatible hydrogel composition having various weight ratio of: 2-hydroxyethylmathacrylate (HEMA), bisphenolA and glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), r-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS), α,α-diethoxyacetophenone (DEAP), and the other one is a photo-sensitive silica gel composition.
US07749758B2	Human and mammalian stem cell-derived neuron survival factors The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system caused by brain infarction, brain hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, etc.
US07749757B1	Stabilizing solution for cells and tissues Methods and compositions for stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that desired antigenic sites, light scatter properties and cellular morphology are preserved for a useful period of time. The stabilizing solution includes glycine, lysine and formaldehyde.
US07749756B2	Microorganism strain for producing recombinant proteins A microorganism strain comprises a gene coding for a recombinant protein and a mutated gene coding for a host protein that is not a protease. The recombinant protein is secreted during a fermentation and the mutated gene coding for the host protein has been mutated so as to cause reduced expression of the host protein compared to the wild-type gene on which the mutated gene is based.
US07749751B2	Optimized T-DNA transfer and vectors therefor The present invention relates to T-DNA vectors and methods for obtaining transgenic eukaryotes using said vectors. The transgenic eukaryotes are characterized in that they contain the T-DNA but not the illegitimately transferred vector backbone sequence. This is achieved by modifying the T-DNA borders such that they are more efficiently nicked or such that they allow elimination of illegitimately transferred vector backbone sequences by means of recombination.
US07749745B2	Viral vectors and their use in therapeutic methods The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.
US07749743B2	Isolated xylanase gene with mutations and site-specific mutagenesis method thereof An isolated xylanase gene with mutations includes a fifty-eighth amino acid or a thirty-eighth amino acid generated from transforming asparagine to aspartic acid so as to form the isolated xylanase gene. A site-specific mutagenesis method includes: mutating the forty-first amino acid or the thirty-eighth amino acid of the xylanase gene by transforming asparagine to aspartic acid so as to form the isolated xylanase gene.
US07749732B2	Method for preparing active nanoarchaeum equitans DNA polymerase and the active DNA polymerase prepared by the method Disclosed are a method of preparing an active Nanoarchaeum equitans B-type DNA polymerase (Neq DNA polymerase), an active Neq DNA polymerase prepared according to the method, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the active Neq DNA polymerase. The active Neq DNA polymerase may be used in various nucleic acid polymerization reactions, such as PCR.
US07749729B2	Methods for assessing the risk for development of cardiovascular disease The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease.
US07749727B1	Generation of electropotential using bacterial culture A device is described for the generation of electropotential by bacterial culture that contain magnetic inclusions. As these bacteria move within an aqueous conductive environment, the generated magnetic fields induce a voltage between electrodes immersed in the solution. Current flow and power production can be sustained for several hours.
US07749726B2	Methods for identifying and isolating stem cells Methods and systems for a) identifying and isolating stem cells, b) assessing mitochondrial distribution and structure in living cells and c) performing fluorescence microscopy on living cells while the cells remain within a condition-controlled cell culture chamber.
US07749725B2	Drug screening and diagnosis based on paracrine tubular renin-angiotensin system The present invention relates to a method for screening drugs for use in treating hypertension using the tubular renin-angiotensinogen system identified by the present invention. The invention further relates to a method to diagnose sodium status and sensitivity in an individual by measuring urinary angiotensinogen or angiotensin-I.
US07749721B2	Immuno enzymatic quantification method for cholesterol ester transferring protein (CETP) The invention relates to an immunoenzymatic method for the quantification of protein CETP in plasma, which requires the utilization of fusion protein GST/CETP, the synthetic peptide CETP 11486-S496 and polyclonal antibody anti-CEPT 11486-S496. The method is used in the study of pathologies involving alterations in the CETP levels in plasma or in seric lipids and makes it possible to detect, evaluate and follow-up patients suffering from dyslipidemia and/or risk of altergenesis.
US07749720B2	Methods of identifying compounds for producing insulin sensitization The invention herein provides a mode of treating metabolic syndrome, which includes Type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in human and other subjects by identifying and administering an insulin sensitizing compound which modulates GRK2 function in the insulin signaling pathway. The invention also provides polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells, tissues and organisms useful in the identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome. A number of desirable insulin sensitizing aspects are achieved by various embodiments of the present invention.
US07749718B2	Method for raising or isolating an antibody to DCRS5 Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.
US07749715B2	TCL-1 gene and protein and related methods and compositions The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of TCL-1 genes and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives and analogs thereof, and antibodies thereto. The TCL-1 gene sequence is preferentially expressed early in T and B lymphocyte differentiation. The present invention further relates to the use of TCL-1 genes and their encoded proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for the detection and treatment of disease states associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
US07749714B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer A method of treating prostate cancer is provided. The method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of reducing activity and/or expression of MCP-1 or of an effector thereof, thereby treating the prostate cancer in the subject.
US07749712B2	Non-competitive immunoassay for small analytes A non-competitive immunoassay for small analytes, wherein the analyte is reacted with two binding partners. The first binding partner binds to the analyte to form a complex between the first binding partner and the analyte, and the second binding partner binds to the complex formed by the first binding partner and the analyte. The resulting complex formed between the analyte and the binding partners is detected. The binding partners are proteins, such as antibodies including antibody fragments.
US07749711B2	Methods of assessing endothelial dysfunction using acute transient responses following fat administration The present invention provides methods utilizing the fat-induced antibody response (FIAR) to assess endothelial function. Additional methods are provided that utilize FIAR for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of vascular diseases, the success of treatment for these diseases, and as a measure of the oxidative stress imposed upon vascular endothelium. Still more methods are provided for measuring the oxidation products of lipids in blood following the administration of a polyunsaturated fatty acid (fat-induced acute response) to monitor the treatment success of a vascular disease, for monitoring the degree of endothelial inflammation, and for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of a cardiovascular disease.
US07749708B2	Method for identifying the sequence of one or more variant nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule The invention relates to methods for identifying the sequence of one or more variant nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule. The method involves cleaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule containing a mismatch with a mismatch-specific endonuclease which cleaves on the 3′ side of the mismatch, and preserving the integrity of the variant nucleotide by ligating a double-stranded linker with a 3′-overhang to said variant nucleotide. Because the variant nucleotide is immediately adjacent to the linker, PCR and/or sequence-by-synthesis analysis can be readily carried out.
US07749707B2	Method for obtaining subtraction polynucleotide The present invention provides a method for obtaining or amplifying a polynucleotide (a tester-specific polynucleotide), in which an amount existing in a sample (tester) is larger than the amount existing in another sample (driver), easily and within a short time as well as with high efficiency, a polynucleotide obtained (amplified) by such method, a method for identifying gene mutation in the tester, and a kit to be used in such methods.
US07749705B2	Apparatus and methods for detecting DNA in biological samples Apparatus and methods are described for detecting target DNA in a biological sample using capture probes and electrically-assisted hybridization. The reaction cell is formed with an attachment surface of aluminum oxide for better thermal and physical properties, and the aluminum oxide surface is coated with anti-DIG antibody to provide a convenient attachment layer for the capture probes allowing their correct orientation, while the capture probes are formed with a DIG-label so that they attach to the surface of the cell through an anti-DIG/DIG linkage.
US07749704B2	Promoter polymorphisms of the BLyS gene and use in diagnostic methods The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising at least one polymorphic nucleotide sequence, for example, at position −871 from the promoter region of the BLyS gene, and diagnostic assays for detecting the presence of this polymorphism associated with a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as hematological malignancy including B cell malignancies. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as hematological malignancies, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as prediction of a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment. The invention also provides an array of nucleic acid molecules immobilized on a solid surface, where at least one of the nucleic acid molecules comprises a BLyS polymorphic nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid arrays of the invention allow rapid detection of hybridizing nucleic acid-molecules, in a nucleic acid sample from an individual, of a BLyS polymorphism associated with hematological malignancy.
US07749703B2	Δ12 desaturase gene suitable for altering levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous yeasts The present invention relates to a Δ12 fatty acid desaturase able to catalyze the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (LA; 18:2). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturase, nucleic acid sequences that hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase gene, and recombinant host microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturase are described. Methods of increasing production of specific ω-3 and/or ω-6 fatty acids are described by overexpression of the Δ12 fatty acid desaturase or by disruption of the native gene.
US07749701B2	Controlling use of oligonucleotide sequences released from arrays A method for controlling the use of oligonucleotide sequences released from arrays, comprises synthesizing a chemical array of oligonucleotides on a substrate under conditions for producing an array of cleavable oligonucleotides that are blocked from enzymatic reactions after cleavage. Methods may also include receiving a chemical array of cleavable oligonucleotides on a substrate, and cleaving the oligonucleotides from the array, wherein the oligonucleotides are blocked from enzymatic reactions after cleavage. Arrays, populations of oligonucleotides and kits are also provided to facilitate the methods.
US07749699B2	Detection of chemical ligation using fluorescence quenching leaving groups Novel compounds having a fluorescence quencher as a leaving group are disclosed. Nucleic acids and other molecules containing a fluorophore and a fluorescence quencher are disclosed as an embodiment of this invention. The use of the oligonucleotides in enzyme-free oligonucleotide ligation reactions results in an increase in fluorescence when the oligonucleotide also contains a nearby fluorophore. The ligation reactions can be performed in solution, on surfaces, or in cells.
US07749698B2	p53 wild-type as biomarker for the treatment with mTOR inhibitors in combination with a cytotoxic agent Provided are biomarkers for determining the sensitivity of proliferative diseases such as cancer to therapeutic agents, in particular mTOR inhibitors in combination with a cytotoxic agent, in particular a cytotoxic agent which damages or affects the integrity of DNA.
US07749697B2	Method for linking sequences of interest Multiplex overlap-extension RT-PCR provides an efficient method of linking two or more nucleotide sequences encoding for domains or subunits of a heteromeric protein, in a single reaction. Especially, the linkage of variable region encoding sequences from e.g. immunoglobulins, T cell receptors or B cell receptors is eased with the method of the present invention. This allows for a more efficient way of generating libraries of variable region encoding sequences. The capability to perform the multiplex overlap-extension RT-PCR using template derived from an isolated single cell enables the generation of cognate pair libraries in a high-throughput format.
US07749696B2	Method and kit for the specific detection of M. tuberculosis The invention relates to a method and system for the specific detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in a biological sample, a difference being made, in particular between M. tuberculosis and other elements of M. tuberculosis complex, i.e., Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), Mycobacterium bovis BCG (M. bovis BCG), Mycobacterium africanum (M. africanum) and Mycobacterium microti (M. microti) based on a SNP in a narGHJI promoter.
US07749695B2	PRO polypeptides for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosis The present invention relates to compositions containing novel proteins and methods of using those compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of immune related diseases.
US07749694B2	C-type lectin fold as a scaffold for massive sequence variation This invention provides a class of binding proteins with a range of binding specificities and affinities based upon variation at select amino acid positions within a scaffold. The variable positions may be readily modified to produce a library of binding proteins with different binding specificities and affinities. The library may be screened to identify one or more as binding a ligand of interest. Compositions comprising the binding proteins, as well as methods of using the binding proteins are also provided.
US07749692B2	Tissue preservation method comprising contacting tissue with a solution of nanobubbles and salt An object of the invention is to provide a tissue preservation solution that has excellent tissue-preserving ability and is useful in the field of medicine, medical experiment, etc. Thus, the invention relates to a tissue preservation solution including oxygen nanobubbles.
US07749691B2	Method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device using a plurality of reticles A method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device. The method includes the steps of arranging a plurality of reticles, on each of which a mask pattern region is formed, in an arrangement direction and using at least two of the plurality of reticles in the method, such that, in at least one of the reticles being used, (i) a center of the at least one reticle, which is aligned with an optical axis of light for exposure, is shifted from (ii) a center of the mask pattern region formed on the at least one reticle, in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of reticles, and performing the exposure of a predetermined region on a wafer using the at least two of the plurality of reticles, in order to manufacture the photoelectric conversion device.
US07749687B2	Pattern forming method used in semiconductor device manufacturing and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of forming a pattern on a photosensitive resin film in lithography, a method of forming a pattern for a semiconductor device, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the patterned film are disclosed. In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a pattern on a photosensitive resin film, comprising forming a processing-object film above a semiconductor substrate, forming a first patterned photosensitive resin layer on the processing-object film, implanting ions into the first patterned photosensitive resin layer, the sum (Rp+3dRp) of a projected range (Rp) for the ions in the first photosensitive resin layer and three times a standard deviation (dRp) of the projected range being greater than a thickness of the first patterned photosensitive resin layer, and forming a second patterned photosensitive resin layer on the ion-implanted first patterned photosensitive resin layer.
US07749679B2	Photosensitive composition, pattern-forming method using the photosensitive composition and compounds used in the photosensitive composition A photosensitive composition containing a compound having a specific structure, a pattern-forming method using the photosensitive composition, and a compound having a specific structure used in the photosensitive composition.
US07749676B2	Positive type dry film photoresist and composition for preparing the same A positive type photoresist resin film contains a support film and a positive photoresist resin layer laminated over the support film. The peak height (Rp) of the support film is less than about 300 nm to eliminate fish eye defects. The positive photoresist resin layer may contain alkali soluble resin, a diazide based photosensitive compound, a plasticizer and, optionally, a sensitivity enhancer and a releasing agent.
US07749668B2	Overcoated photoconductors containing fluorinated esters A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, at least one charge transport layer, and an overcoating layer in contact with and contiguous to the charge transport layer, and which overcoating layer includes a fluoroalkyl ester, and a polymer.
US07749664B2	Dye-containing resist composition and color filter using same There is provided a color resist composition comprising a resin (A), a photoacid generator or a photobase generator (B), a crosslinking compound (C) and a dye mixture (D) containing a dye having a structure of amino sulfonate ester or ammonium sulfonate salt in a proportion of 40 to 95% by weight on total dye content. Preferably, resin (A) is polyvinyl phenol or a copolymer thereof, and the color resist composition has an optical quality having at least a region with a transmittance of 70% or more and a region with a transmittance of 10% or less in wavelength range between 400 nm and 700 nm, and in which a variation in transmittance is 5% or less even when the composition is subjected to a temperature of 200° C. or more. The color resist composition is applicable for color filters which exhibits a high spectrum reproducibility, a high light-resistance and a heat-resistance, and has a high resolution of 5 μm or less and no post development residue.
US07749658B2	Method for manufacturing LiMnPO4 The main object of the invention is to obtain LiMnPO4 having an excellent crystalline and a high purity at a lower temperature. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing LiMnPO4 including the steps of: precipitating for obtaining precipitate of manganese hydroxide (Mn(OH)x) by adding a precipitant to a Mn source solution in which a Mn source is dissolved; reducing for obtaining a reduced dispersion solution by dispersing the precipitate in a reducing solvent; adding for obtaining an added dispersion solution by adding a Li source solution and a P source solution to the reduced dispersion solution; pH adjusting for adjusting the pH of the added dispersion solution in the range of 3 to 6 to obtain a pH-adjusted dispersion solution; and synthesizing for synthesizing by reacting the pH-controlled dispersion solution by a heating under pressure condition.
US07749657B2	Positive electrode material for lithium secondary battery, method for producing the same, and lithium secondary battery A positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery which is high in safety, high in capacity, excellent in rate performance and high temperature storage performance and high in charge/discharge efficiency is provided. The positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery is obtained by adding Al to a Li—Ni—Co—Ba—O system raw material or preferably by adding Al and an amorphous phase of an oxide thereto. The positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery is a composite oxide having a total composition represented by LiaNibCocBadAleOx or LiaNibCocBadAleMfOx where M: one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Si, Ba, B, P and Al a: 1.0 to 1.2 mol b: 0.5 to 0.95 mol c: 0.05 to 0.5 mol d: 0.0005 to 0.01 mol e: 0.01 to 0.1 mol f: 0.01 mol or less (not inclusive of 0).
US07749648B2	Pouch for secondary battery, secondary battery using the same, and apparatus for sealing pouch cases of secondary battery A pouch for a secondary battery comprising indentations on a sealing area of the pouch is disclosed. At least some of the indentations are filled with the resin layers of the pouch. A secondary battery comprising the pouch, and an apparatus for sealing the pouch are also provided. The indentations in the pouch can take the shape of dots or lines, and prevent the resin layers of the pouch from leaking out of the pouch during heating and pressing of the sealing area of the pouch. Also, when the resin layers collect in the indentations, forming adhesive cores, reliability of the pouch seal is improved despite a reduction in the sealing area of the pouch.
US07749645B2	Electrochemical cell structure and method of fabrication An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprises: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer provided on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer provided on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; an electrolyte layer provided between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent; and wherein the functional dye layer is formed from an organic solvent ink. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer provided on the first conductive layer; a functional dye layer provided on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; and an electrolyte provided between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent; and wherein the functional dye layer is formed from a binary solvent ink, comprising a first solvent and a second solvent.
US07749640B2	Fuel Cell A fuel cell comprising a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer including a conductive perfluoro-binder having a micellar structure formed by outwardly orienting hydrophilic groups and inwardly orienting hydrophobic (lipophilic) groups, and a proton conductive membrane provided between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer.
US07749639B2	Gas diffusion electrode and solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell A gas diffusion electrode includes: an electrode catalyst layer; microporous layers arranged on the electrode catalyst layer and including at least second and first microporous layers, wherein the second microporous layer disposed on the electrode catalyst layer side is composed to have higher water repellency than the first microporous layer; and an oxidant gas diffusion substrate disposed on the microporous layers and formed of carbon fiber. According to the gas diffusion electrode of the present invention, drainability of generated water from the electrode catalyst layer to the gas diffusion layer and moisture retention and gas diffusibility of the electrode catalyst layer can be enhanced. Moreover, according to a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, stable power generation characteristics can be obtained even under an operating condition with a wide humidity range and current density range.
US07749638B2	Manufacturing method of lamination body of electrolytic body and particle, lamination body of electrolytic body and particle, electrochemical element, fuel battery, and portable machine A manufacturing method of a lamination body of an electrolytic body and a particle includes the steps of: a) electrostatically charging an electrostatic carrier configured to carry static electricity at a designated polarity; b) contacting the electrostatically charged electrostatic carrier with dispersion liquid formed by dispersing the particle electrostatically charged at a polarity reversed to the designated polarity into a dispersion medium; and c) transferring the particle adhering to the electrostatic carrier to the electrolytic body made of electrolyte.
US07749637B2	Water blocking layer and wicking reservoir for PEMFC A fuel cell including a water blocking layer positioned between anode gas flow channels and a gas diffusion media. The blocking layer prevents water from propagating through the gas diffusion media layer and entering the anode flow channels, while allowing gas from the flow channels to flow through the diffusion media layer to the membrane. A water accumulation channel can be provided around the perimeter of the gas diffusion media layer where blocked water is accumulated, and allowed to expand during cell freezing. A porous capillary wick can be provided in the accumulation channel for wicking water to the inlet end of the flow channels where it is used to humidify the anode gas coming into the fuel cell. The wick can have a tapered configuration so that it has a larger diameter at the gas input end of the flow channels.
US07749635B2	Gasket with sheet-shaped member and a gasket mainbody mounted to a mounting member In order to provide a gasket which has a good handling property as a gasket used for a fuel battery or a gasket for an hard disc drive, can be easily integrated with the other end mounting member even in the case that the other end mounting member such as a separator or the like is a material having low strength or a thin plate, and has good mounting workability, a gasket is having a sheet-shaped gasket mounting member provided with a sticking function on one face, and a gasket main body made of a rubber-type elastic member integrated with the sheet-shaped gasket mounting member, and the gasket is mounted to the other end mounting member on the basis of the sticking function of the sheet-shaped gasket mounting member.
US07749634B2	Flow control for multiple stacks A fuel cell comprises an electrode plate having a flow field formed therein and a proton exchange membrane. A compressible permeable diffusion media is disposed adjacent the electrode plate. The diffusion media is compressed against the electrode plate so that a portion of the media intrudes into the flow field. A fuel cell stack can be made by compressing a plurality these fuel cells together. The fuel cell stack is compressed so that the diffusion media in each fuel cell is compressed against the adjacent electrode plate with a portion of the media intruding into the flow field in the adjacent electrode plate. The compression of the fuel cell stack can be adjusted so that a magnitude of intrusion of the diffusion media into the flow channels is adjusted and a pressure drop of a predetermined magnitude occurs across the fuel cell stack at a desired operational state.
US07749630B2	Polymer electrolyte membrane and polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising same A polymer electrolyte membrane obtained by subjecting a sulfonated polyarylene membrane having an initial water content of 80-300 weight % to a hot-water treatment. A composite polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a matrix made of a first sulfonated aromatic polymer having a high ion exchange capacity, and a reinforcing material constituted by a second sulfonated aromatic polymer having a low ion exchange capacity in the form of fibers or a porous membrane.
US07749629B2	Electrolyte membrane, process for its production and polymer electrolyte fuel cell An electrolyte membrane characterized by comprising a porous body formed from a melt-moldable fluororesin and having interconnected pores and an ion exchange resin with which the interconnected pores are filled, is provided. Specifically, the porous body is formed, for example, from an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/[CF2═CF—(OCF2CFY)a—Oc—(CF2)b—SO3H] copolymer (wherein Y is a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group, a is an integer of 0 to 3, b is an integer of from 0 to 12, and c is 0 or 1, provided that when b=0, C=0), or the like. An electrolyte membrane reinforced by such a porous body has high mechanical strength even if it is thin, and is excellent in dimensional stability when hydrated, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a membrane-electrode assembly having the electrolyte membrane provides a high output and is excellent in durability.
US07749626B2	Fuel cell power generating system with two fuel cells of different types and method of controlling the same A solid oxide fuel cell stack generates power by an electrochemical reaction of oxygen with hydrogen or hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a reformed gas which is produced from a natural gas by a reformer, and supplies waste heat and an anode exhaust gas containing steam to the reformer. The reformed gas produced by the reformer is reduced its CO concentration through a CO shift converter and a CO selective oxidizer. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack generates power by an electrochemical reaction of oxygen with hydrogen contained in a reformed gas which is emitted through the CO selective oxidizer with reduced CO concentration and with condensed moisture by a condenser.
US07749624B2	Method for providing back-pressure for a fuel cell stack A method for controlling the pressure within a fuel cell stack to control the stack relative humidity. In one embodiment, a two-position valve receiving the cathode exhaust is switchable between a fully open and a fully closed position, where the valve is opened when the fuel cell system is operating at a low operation temperature and the valve is closed when the fuel cell system is operating at a high operation temperature. A fixed restriction valve is provided in parallel with the two-position valve so that when the two-position valve is fully closed, the proper amount of pressure is provided at the cathode output. In another embodiment, the two-position valve employs leak paths so that when the two-position valve is in the closed position, the cathode exhaust gas can still flow through.
US07749620B2	Electromagnetic wave shield material and process for producing the same The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave shielding material which comprises a transparent substrate and a fine line pattern formed thereon, wherein the fine line pattern comprises a metal plating film using a physically developed metal silver as a catalytic nucleus and a process for preparing an electromagnetic wave shielding material which comprises exposing a light-sensitive material having a physical development nuclei layer and a silver halide emulsion layer on a transparent substrate in this order, precipitating metal silver with an optional fine line pattern onto the physical development nuclei layer by physical development, then, removing a layer provided on the physical development nuclei layer, and subjecting to plating a metal with the use of the physically developed metal silver as a catalytic nucleus.
US07749617B2	Organic compound and organic light-emitting device The present invention provides a novel organic compound capable of simultaneously emitting fluorescence and phosphorescence. The organic compound according to the present invention is an organic compound consisting of only elemental hydrogen and at least two kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to the thirteenth group to the seventeenth group of the second period to the fifth period of the periodic table, and being capable of simultaneously emitting fluorescence and phosphorescence at a temperature of from −30° C. or more and 100° C. or less.
US07749612B2	Resin coated metal foil, metal clad laminate, printed wiring board using them, and manufacturing method thereof The present invention provides a metal clad laminate or a resin coated metal foil having a metal foil whose both surfaces are not substantially roughening-treated and an insulating resin composition layer using generally used insulating resin, and a printed wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the metal clad laminate or the resin coated metal foil is used, the reliability and circuit formability are high, and the conductor loss is extremely low.
US07749610B2	Copper foil and method of manufacturing the same The object is to provide copper foil of high adhesion even when the roughness Rz of a nodular surface of the copper foil is low, and a method of manufacturing the copper foil. To achieve this object, there is adopted a copper foil which is characterized in that an area coefficient C(S), which is defined by A(S)/B(S) from a three-dimensional surface area A(S), which is obtained by performing three-dimensional measurement of a surface area of a nodular surface of a copper foil sample S under a laser microscope, and from a measuring region area B(S), which is an area of a measuring region of the three-dimensional surface area A(S), and a roughness Rz(S) of a nodular surface of the copper foil sample S, which is measured by a stylus-type roughness meter, have a relationship of equation (1) below, and in that the roughness Rz(S) is 1.0 μm to 3.0 μm, 0.5×Rz(S)+0.5≦C(S) (1) where Rz(S) is a numerical value represented by μm.
US07749609B2	Metal plate for producing flat tube, flat tube and process for producing the flat tube A metal plate for producing a flat tube including a metal body having a joint portion, first and second flat wall forming portions connected by the joint portion, reinforcing wall forming portions projecting from the first and second flat wall forming portions and extending in a longitudinal direction of the first and second flat wall forming portions, and side wall forming portions projecting from opposite side edges of the metal body, respectively. The joint portion has a ridge which makes the joint portion thicker than the first and second flat wall forming portions. The ridge, the reinforcing wall forming portions and the side wall forming portions are projecting in a same direction. The metal body bends into a hairpin shape at boundaries formed between the ridge of the joint portion and the first and second flat wall forming portions.
US07749604B2	Laminating adhesives containing polyurethane and epoxide resin Aqueous composition comprising a polyurethane (A) an epoxy resin (B) obtainable by reacting compounds having epoxide groups with diols or polyols, and a crosslinker (C) for the epoxy resin.
US07749596B1	Engineered crack-resistant paper and board An engineered crack-resistant paper or board for improved runability formed by depositing a thin discontinuous thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer onto a cellulose fiber network web and having same absorbed into the network in specific geometrical formations. The base sheet thus formed may then be used for various end uses such as packaging, containers, plates, cups, low-weight coated printing grade boards or the like.
US07749593B2	Solar heat responsive exterior surface covering An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.
US07749592B2	Multilayer ceramic substrate A multilayer ceramic substrate includes a plurality of stacked glass ceramic layers and internal conductors. The glass ceramic layers contain at least one diffusion element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Mn. The internal conductors contain Ag as a conductive material. The multilayer ceramic substrate is produced by the steps of adding at least one diffusion element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Mn to conductive paste and diffusing the diffusion element in the glass ceramic layers around the conductive paste. As a result, defects otherwise possibly generated around the internal conductors can be eliminated with exactitude.
US07749591B2	Laminated sheet The present invention relates a laminated sheet having improved toner-fixing property and toner blocking resistance, that comprises a base material made of paper, one or more thermoplastic resin layer(s) provided on one side or both sides of said base material, a toner-fixing layer provided thereon, wherein two or more hydrophilic macromolecular substances each having a different glass transition temperature are used as binders and constitutes said toner-fixing layer, at least a hydrophilic macromolecular substance (A) having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or above and a hydrophilic macromolecular substance (B) having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or below are contained as said hydrophilic macromolecular substances therein.
US07749588B2	Protective coverings Protective covering for cabinets, appliances, and residential construction components of multi-layer sheeted materials capable of being die-cut into shapes and configurations suitable for protecting kitchen and bath countertops and appliances, home construction components, and desirable multi-layer configurations for various embodiments of the invention. Corrugated materials including paper and plastic are provided in sheets and may be combined with other layers of complementary materials, including plastic sheets, for extending downwardly to protect kitchen and bath cabinets and countertops from paint splashes and for covering air duct openings.
US07749586B2	Adhering member and method for producing adhering member An adhering member comprises an adhesive layer 2 of a thickness R formed on one surface of a backing 1, and a liner 3 of a thickness T laminated on the adhesive layer, and has a half-cut formed in the liner for making handleability satisfactory while preventing seepage of contents. The adhering member excellent in handleability and stability is obtained by providing, for example, the half-cut 4 having a rectangular or inverted triangular sectional shape, a groove width of 200 μm or less, and a groove depth of more than 14T/15 but less than (T+R).
US07749585B2	Reduced profile medical balloon element Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.
US07749575B2	Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same The invention relates to a liquid crystal display utilizing a vertically aligned state of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied and to a method of manufacturing the same. The invention is aimed at providing a liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same in which the existing step for forming vertical alignment films can be omitted to achieve a cost reduction.The liquid crystal display includes a monofunctional monomer having a structure expressed by X-R (where X represents an acrylate group or a methacrylate group, and R represents an organic group having a steroid skeleton). A liquid crystal material is sandwiched between substrates which is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the monofunctional monomer, thereby forming a polymer film at an interface of a substrate. The monofunctional monomer has a hydrophobic skeleton such as an alkyl chain and a photoreactive group on one side of the skeleton.
US07749573B2	Actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink and image forming method using the same An actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink comprising: a metal complex pigment; a cationically polymerizable compound; a polymer dispersing agent having a basic functional group exhibiting an amine value of 5-40 mg/g; and a photo acid generating agent, wherein the cationically polymerizable compound comprises an oxirane ring. The aforesaid actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink enable to achieve an ink-jet ink exhibiting excellent storage stability, ejection capability, and curability after ejection, and enables formation of highly detailed images which realize high density, uniform glossiness, and excellent color reproduction, and forms no wrinkling, and provide a image forming method using the same.
US07749571B2	Device and method for coating The invention relates to a coating device (10) comprising a coating tank (21) with an opening (22) and a coating roll (31), in which the roll (31) faces the opening (22).A further subject of the invention is a method for coating a substrate with a fluid comprising the steps of (i) supply of a substrate (40) and of a fluid, (ii) application of the fluid to the substrate (40) and (iii) shearing of the fluid by the substrate (40) set in motion in relation to the fluid.
US07749567B2	Process for producing a layered article Disclosed is a process for producing a layered article including a substrate and an inorganic particle layer formed thereon, the process including: preparing a mixed inorganic particle dispersion comprising a liquid dispersion medium containing inorganic particles (A) and inorganic particles (B), the mixed inorganic particle dispersion being characterized by conditions (1) regarding particle size, (2) regarding volume fraction of inorganic particles and (3) regarding weight fraction; applying the mixed inorganic particle dispersion to a substrate, and removing the liquid dispersion medium from the mixed inorganic particle dispersion applied to form an inorganic particle layer on the substrate.
US07749566B2	Plate with an indicator for discerning among pre-identified probe holes in the plate Disclosed is a system and method for providing an effective means for making it easy to identify which holes in an interface plate are to be populated with probes and which are to be left empty. This identification of holes or apertures in a plate is used most commonly an electrical probe testing plates where a probe array is set up and inserted though the plate. The problem is that it is very difficult to double check to see if all probes are installed. With a two-tone color identifier (or other techniques disclosed herein) it is easy to visually or machine read the probe plate for probe installation errors. The method employs coating the plate with a colorant and ablating colorant adjacent holes, which are either populated or empty, the difference being easy to spot.
US07749565B2	Method for applying and dimensioning an abradable coating Disclosed is a coated substrate including a substrate coating applied to at least one substantially flat surface of the substrate, the coating including at least one of an axial concavity and a circumferential curvature, the substrate being configured for disposal parametrically about a moving component.
US07749563B2	Two-layer film for next generation damascene barrier application with good oxidation resistance A method is provided for processing a substrate including providing a processing gas comprising an organosilicon compound comprising a phenyl group to the processing chamber, and reacting the processing gas to deposit a low k silicon carbide barrier layer useful as a barrier layer in damascene or dual damascene applications with low k dielectric materials. A method is provided for depositing a silicon carbide cap layer that has substantially no phenyl groups attached to silicon atoms from a processing gas comprising an oxygen-free organosilicon compound on a low k silicon carbide barrier layer.
US07749561B2	Fabrication of ultra long necklace of nanoparticles The present invention provides a single-electron device composed of a necklace of about 5000 nanoparticles. The linear necklace is self-assembled by interfacial phenomena along a triple-phase line of fiber, a substrate and electrolyte containing nanoparticles. A variety of combinations of nanoparticles, such as Au and CdS nanoparticles, may be used to form a necklace. The I-V measurements on the system show both coulomb blockade and staircase, with high currents and high threshold voltage of 1-3 V. The present invention also provides methods for constructing such a device.
US07749559B2	Method for manufacturing a surface-treated silicon substrate for magnetic recording medium Provided is a textured silicon substrate for a magnetic disk, comprising a magnetic film in which magnetic anisotropy can be attained and high recording density can be achieved, while ensuring the flying stability of a head by controlling the surface roughness of the substrate through texturing. Especially, provided is a surface-treated silicon substrate for a magnetic disk, comprising a texture formed on a surface of a silicon substrate comprising an oxide film of 0 to 2 nm thickness, and a magnetic recording medium comprising the surface-treated silicon substrate. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a surface-treated silicon substrate for a magnetic disk, comprising steps of: removing or reducing an oxide film on a surface of a silicon substrate; and forming a texture on the surface of the silicon substrate having the oxide film removed or reduced using a free abrasive-containing slurry and a tape; and a magnetic recording medium comprising the silicon substrate.
US07749554B2	Method for coating stents A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.
US07749550B2	Fluid konjak material and its production and use A fluid konjak material, which can be mixed with any other edible material uniformly at a high concentration while sufficiently keeping the gelling power and the biological effect intrinsic to konjak mannan, is provided by swelling and dissolving konjak flour in water, treating the resultant with alkali at a pH of at least 10, lowering the pH to less than 8, heating the composition with forced stirring and enzymatically treating the forcedly-stirred composition.
US07749547B2	Nutritional composition and method for increasing creatine uptake and retention in skeletal muscle, increasing muscle mass and strength, increasing exercise capacity and for aiding recovery following exercise A dietary supplement with Creatine, Taurine and a source of Phosphate. The dietary supplement may further include one or more of Double Fermented Triticum aestivum, Dextrose, Isomalt, Trehalose, D-Mannose, Mulberry extract, Enicostemma littorale Blume, Scoparia dulcis, Tarragon extract, Andrographis paniculata, Chromium, Glutamine and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Administered in the morning or following exercise, the dietary supplement increases Creatine uptake and retention in skeletal muscle, muscle mass and strength, exercise capacity and aids in recovery following exercise as well as supporting the immune system during periods of intense training.
US07749546B2	Composition for effectively suppressing the growth of prostate cancer cell, suppressing the prostatic hyperplasia and its preparation method A composition for effectively suppressing the growth of Prostate Cancer Cell, suppressing the Prostatic Hyperplasia and its preparation method, wherein this composition contains the Astragalus radix or its extracts with effective ingredients, which can either prevent or cure the Prostate cancer and suppress the Prostatic Hyperplasia as well.
US07749545B2	Fucoidan compositions and methods for dietary and nutritional supplements Compositions and methods relating to partially hydrolyzed fucoidan for use in dietary supplements are described. Fucoidan from brown seaweeds is partially hydrolyzed and then mixed with other ingredients for use as a dietary supplement in beverage, capsule, or tablet form. The fucoidan is partially hydrolyzed with acid and heat. The partially hydrolyzed fucoidan can also be sulfonated. Other ingredients that can be included in the dietary supplement include high-ORAC-value antioxidants, minerals, pepper extract, flavoring agents, coloring agents, and preservatives. The compositions can be in the form of beverages, tablets, capsules, powders, and the like.
US07749544B2	Composition for treating AIDS and associated conditions An Aids and associated conditions related to Aids treating compositions is disclosed. The compositions comprise: a medicament selected from an extract of at least one of the following plant families: Apocynaceae (Pleioscarpa Bicarpellata); Annonaceae (Cleistopholis Patens); Dichapetalaceae (Dichapetehan Madagasca Riense); Annoceae (Uvaristrum Pierreanum); Cynocynaceae (Strophantus Gratus); Asclepiadaceae (Gongronema Latifolium); Combretaceae (Combretum Racemosum); Apocynaceae (Alostonia Boonei); Amaranthaceae (Alternanthera Pungens); Aroceae (Anchomanes Differmis); Cyperaceae (Seleria Voivinil); Anacardiaceae (Lannea Acida); Bignoniaceae (Kigelia Africana); Bombacaceae (Ceiba Pentanota); Anarcardiaceae (Antrocaryon Micraster); Bombacaceae (Bombax Bounopozense): Anarcardiaceae (Spondias Mombin); Caricaceae (Carica Papaya); a glyceryl ester of any of the foregoing extracts; a saponin of any of the foregoing extracts; an alkaloid of any of the foregoing extracts; a protein of any of the foregoing extracts; a fat of any of the foregoing extracts; a sugar of any of the foregoing extracts; and any mixture of any of the foregoing.
US07749541B2	Rasagiline formulations of improved content uniformity Disclosed are pharmaceutical preparations of R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan salts having enhanced content uniformity, processes for preparation of the compositions, and their uses.
US07749538B2	Molded object having high pullulan content, process for the producing the same, and use thereof Since conventional high pullulan content shaped products have a low stability to the change of humidity, the object of the present invention is to provide a high pullulan content shaped product having a satisfactory stability to the change of humidity, a process for producing the same, and uses. The present invention solves the above object by establishing high pullulan content shaped product with an improved stability to the change of humidity by incorporating a prescribed amount of α,α-trehalose into pullulan in preparing the high pullulan content shaped product, and a process for producing the same, and by providing uses of the high pullulan content shaped product obtainable by the process.
US07749537B2	Method of forming a tablet A method of forming a tablet includes the steps of pre-blending an active pharmaceutical ingredient susceptible to tackiness and a blending additive with a first mixing effort to form a pre-blend mixture, wherein the first mixing effort and a second mixing effort, resulting from mixing at least one excipient with the pre-blend mixture, form a blend suitable for direct compression and compressing the blend to form the tablet. One way of achieving the first mixing effort is to pre-blend for an extended period of time. The method allows for directly compressing the blend without the need for a granulation step or roller compression. One such active pharmaceutical ingredient susceptible to tackiness is ibuprofen.
US07749535B2	Compositions and methods using Morinda citrifolia Dietary supplements include a complementary blend of fruits including at least noni and Luo Han Guo. Other fruits having a high ORAC value, such as blueberries and raspberries, are also preferably incorporated. The combination of the Luo Han Guo and noni masks the noni's flavors and odors while sweetening the dietary supplements. The Luo Han Guo can be simultaneously provided in both powder and liquid form so that the liquid form acts as the primary sweetener while the powder form acts as the primary masker. The dietary supplements also have an enhanced natural preservative effect, providing an extended shelf life without the use of artificial preservatives.
US07749534B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising oxoplatin, the salts and derivatives thereof The invention relates to a pharmaceutical agent, particularly a chemotherapeutical agent, comprising cis-diammoniumdichloro-trans-dihydroxoplatinum(IV) or salts and/or derivatives thereof in the form of capsules, tablets, creams, ointments and infusion solutions, and to the production of said pharmaceutical agent; the invention also relates to the use of such pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of tumor diseases.
US07749531B2	Apparatus and method for detecting bacterial growth beneath a wound dressing An apparatus and method are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence, absence, and/or growth of harmful or potentially harmful bacterial microorganisms beneath a wound dressing, in one example used to cover an indwelling central venous catheter or other catheter. A bacteria detection apparatus includes a barrier membrane, a permeable membrane for placement proximate a wound or a catheter insertion site, and an indicator between the barrier membrane and the permeable membrane for indicating the presence of bacteria proximate the permeable membrane. A method of using a bacterial growth detection apparatus is also provided.
US07749528B2	Implantable and sealable medical device for unidirectional delivery of therapeutic agents to tissues A device for selective delivery of therapeutic agents to internal body tissues is disclosed. Upon tight sealing of the device to targeted tissues the diffusion of therapeutic agents to the targeted tissue can be controlled, while minimizing exposure of adjacent organs to the agents being delivered. Mechanisms for replenishment of the device and methods for application of the device in remote sites of the body are disclosed.
US07749522B2	Organ arrest, protection and preservation The present invention relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which includes administering effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) local anaesthetic to a subject in need thereof.The present invention also relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which comprises adding a composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic to the organ.The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic.
US07749519B2	Unique DNA and polypeptide sequences based on the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in humans is caused by infection with Plasmodium species parasites including P. vivax. The biology and immunobilogy of P. vivax is distinct from that of P. falciparum. Provided are unique synthetic polypeptides and DNA molecules which encode them. Each of these molecules correspond to regions of the circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax. Each molecule comprises sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 210 variant fused to sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 247 variant. Each molecule additionally comprises sequences corresponding to either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or both the amino and carboxy termini of the PvCSP. Also provided are vaccines comprising these unique sequences and methods of using these vaccines and sequences to prevent and treat Pv malaria.
US07749517B2	Anthrax antitoxins The present invention provides compositions useful in preparing and/or serving as antitoxins against Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. The present invention also provides polypeptides and polynucleotides relating to the capillary morphogenisis gene 2 (CMG-2), vectors containing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, and host cells containing related polynucleotide molecules, all used in association with the treatment of, or the research and development of treatments for anthrax. The present invention also relates to methods for identifying molecules that bind CMG-2 and molecules that reduce the toxicity of anthrax toxin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for treating human and non-human animals suffering from anthrax.
US07749516B2	Immunization of dairy cattle with GapC protein against Streptococcus infection The GapC plasmin binding protein genes of Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis), Streptococcus parauberis (S. parauberis), and Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) are described, as well as the recombinant production of the GapC proteins therefrom. Also described is the use of the GapC proteins from those species in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat bacterial infections in general, and mastitis in particular.
US07749514B2	Activatable clostridial toxins Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.
US07749507B2	Malaria vaccine A fusion protein, derived from P. falciparum Glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) genetically coupled to P. falciparum Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) was produced in Lactococcus lactis as a secreted recombinant GLURP-MSP3 hybrid protein and experiments showed that the GLURP-part of the hybrid increased the overall antibody response. Immunizations with the hybrid protein consistently generated a stronger antibody response against the individual GLURP and MSP3 domains than a mixture of the two recombinant molecules injected at one site or the individual recombinant molecules injected simultaneously at two different sites. The difference was most pronounced for the MSP3-specific antibody response suggesting that T cell epitopes located in the GLURP RO-region provide help for B-cell epitopes in the MSP3 region. Moreover, when the animals were injected with a mixture of GLURP and MSP3, individual mice tended to mount a predominant antibody response against either molecule: in some animals GLURP was immunodominant whereas in other animals MSP3 was the dominant immunogen. Additionally, the hybrid was also more antigenic than the individual recombinant proteins since the ELISA-titer of naturally occurring IgG antibodies, in clinically immune African adults, against the hybrid protein was higher than the titers against the individual recombinant proteins. The hybrid protein was also demonstrated to be a potential protective antigen as mouse anti-GLURP-MSP3 IgG antibodies were able to inhibit parasite-growth in vitro in a monocyte-dependent manner.
US07749504B2	Anti-TAT188 antibodies The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US07749503B2	3-deoxyglucosone and skin The invention relates to a method of removing 3-deoxyglucosone and other alpha-dicarbonyl sugars from skin. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting production and function of 3-deoxyglucosone and other alpha-dicarbonyl sugars in skin. The invention also relates to methods of treating 3-deoxyglucosone and other alpha-dicarbonyl sugars associated diseases and disorders of skin.
US07749502B2	Synthetic peptide constructs for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis The present invention relates to an oral composition and an immunogenic composition for the suppression of the pathogenic effects of the intra-oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontal disease.
US07749496B2	Neuronal regeneration A method of promoting neuronal regeneration includes administering an agent to at least one neural cell in contact with at least one neural cell growth inhibiting component in an amount effective to promote neuronal regeneration. The agent is selected from the group consisting of a Class I Rho family GTPase, a C1 activator, a Class II Rho family GTPase, and a C2 inhibitor.
US07749489B2	Topical administration carrier composition and therapeutic formulations comprising same A topical administration carrier composition including water, glycerin and polysorbate, suitable for use in formulations with active ingredient compositions containing active ingredients such as minoxidil that are susceptible to systemic penetration, and solvents that are susceptible to evaporative loss, when the active ingredient composition is topically applied to the body. The carrier formulation retards the evaporative losses of the solvent component(s) and systemic migration losses of the active ingredient composition, to provide sustained topical action, in relation to formulations lacking the carrier composition of the invention.
US07749487B2	Method to assess surfactant adsorption on skin A convenient to use test method for comparing the relative affinity of surfactants for the skin employs a solid or semisolid matrix for associating a dye or pigment with the skin. The dye or pigment has an affinity to either the skin or a surfactant adsorbed on the skin during personal cleansing. The matrix may include a reagent soluble polymer film or temporary tattoo.
US07749484B2	Li-B-Mg-X system for reversible hydrogen storage A material mixture is disclosed for storage of hydrogen for a hydrogen-using device and release of hydrogen on demand of the hydrogen-using device, especially by heating of the mixture. Such a mixture suitably comprises a solid hydrogen-containing lithium compound (e.g. LiBH4) and a solid magnesium compound, MgX, the magnesium compound being reactive with the lithium compound to release hydrogen and yield solid by products containing lithium and X. X may include one or more of F, Cl, OH, O, S, Se, Si, CO3, SO4, Cu, Ge, Ni, (OH)Cl, and P2O7.
US07749483B2	Method for producing alkaline earth metal oxides Disclosed is a processes for the production of relatively high purity alkaline earth metal oxides, such as SrO, from relatively low purity forms of carbonated or other oxygenated forms of such metals, such as strontium carbonate. The relatively low purity material is exposed to conditions under which at least a portion of the metal contained therein is converted to a salt that is more readily solvated in a provided solvent than the starting material, while at the same time not substantially increasing the solubility of at least one or more of the impurities in such selected solvent. This step is then preferably followed by removal of solid or otherwise un-dissolved impurities from the solution. After the removal step, the solution is preferably exposed to conditions effective to form a relatively insoluble salt of the alkaline earth metal, such as a strontium salt. The insoluble salt is also preferably one that can be readily and effectively converted to the desired alkaline earth metal oxide, preferably SrO. A novel preferred thermal decomposition step disclosed.
US07749482B2	Process for producing lithium-containing composite oxide for positive electrode for lithium secondary battery To provide a process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, which is excellent in the volume capacity density, safety, charge and discharge cycle durability and low temperature characteristics.A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9≦p≦1.2, 0.97≦x<1.00, 0
US07749480B2	Cadmium telluride production process A method for producing cadmium telluride from elemental cadmium and elemental tellurium is disclosed. For example, the method disclosed can be used for producing multi-kilogram batches of cadmium telluride in a few hours.
US07749476B2	Production of carbonate-containing compositions from material comprising metal silicates Provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising silicon-based material (e.g., pozzolanic material) from a source of carbon dioxide, a divalent cation-containing solution, and a source of proton-removing agents. In such methods, divalent cations of the divalent cation-containing solution are provided by digestion of material comprising metal silicates. Also provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising little or no silicon-based material. In such methods, silicon-based material (e.g., silica, unreacted or undigested silicates, aluminosilicates, etc.) may be separated and processed separately from carbonate-containing compositions. Silicon-based material and carbonate-containing material may be blended at a later stage to produce a pozzolanic material, which may be further processed and blended with, for example, Portland cement.
US07749474B2	Catalyst composition for use in a lean NOx trap and method of using A lean NOx trap composition. The lean NOx trap composition utilizes ruthenium in place of higher cost metals such as platinum. The lean NOx trap composition provides high NOx storage efficiency and high NOx conversion efficiency when incorporated in a lean NOx trap. A method of removing harmful gases using the lean NOx trap composition is also described.
US07749473B2	Treatment of engine exhaust using molecular sieve SSZ-75 The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-75 having STI framework topology prepared using a tetramethylene-1,4-bis-(N-methylpyrrolidinium) dication as a structure-directing agent and its use in treating engine exhaust.
US07749472B2	Phosgard, a new way to improve poison resistance in three-way catalyst applications The present invention provides for novel poisoning-resistant catalysts used for automobile exhaust gas treatment systems. To alleviate the detrimental affects of engine oil and/or fuel additive poisoning the present invention provides for an overcoat layer comprising a porous refractory oxide and one or more base metal oxides, which is coated over one or more precious metal containing washcoat layers. The overcoat of the present invention prevents phosphorous as well as other poisoning deposits, from fouling and/or negatively interacting with the underlying precious metal containing washcoats. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides for the coating of the upstream end of a catalytic member by the overcoat layer, thereby creating an upstream poison capture zone.
US07749465B2	Reformer module A reformer module (10) comprises a hollow support member (12) having at least one passage (14) extending longitudinally therethrough. The hollow support member (14) has an external surface (20), a barrier layer (22) arranged on at least a portion of the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), a catalyst layer (24) arranged on the barrier layer (22) and a sealing layer (26) arranged on the catalyst layer (24) and the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12) other than the at least a portion of the external surface of the hollow support member (12). By providing the barrier layer (22) and the catalyst layer (24) on the exterior surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), the distribution of the barrier layer (22) and/or the catalyst layer (24) may be more precisely controlled and thus a non-uniform distribution of barrier layer (22) and/or catalyst layer (24) may be achieved.
US07749458B2	Honeycomb structure This is directed to a honeycomb structure (10) including two or more honeycomb segments (11) having numerous through channels having been partitioned by walls and penetrating in axial direction thereof, the walls for through channels having a filtering function, and one end being clogged at predetermined through channels, and the other end at the remaining ones, and joint layers (12) for joining two or more honeycomb segments (11) each other. It may satisfy at least either that the Young's modulus of material of the joint layer (12) is 20% or less of that of the honeycomb segment (11), or that the material strength of joint layer (12) is lower than that of the honeycomb segment (11). This honeycomb structure shows a less thermal stress during use, has such a durability that no crack is formed, hardly shows a difference in temperature between the central portion and outer peripheral portion, and shows a lower pressure loss of fluid.
US07749450B2	Fluid handling apparatus and fluid handling unit for use therein A fluid handling apparatus 10 has a plurality of fluid handling subassemblies 16, each of which is mounted in a corresponding one of mounting recessed portions 14 of a plate body 12. Each of the fluid handling subassemblies 16 includes: an injecting section 26 for injecting a fluid; a fluidized section 28 for receiving the fluid from the injecting section 26 to allow the fluid to continuously flow downwards; a fluid housing chamber 30 for receiving the fluid from the fluidized section 28; a wall portion 20 formed so as to extend in substantially vertical directions between the fluid housing chamber 30 and the fluidized section 28; an opening 20a for allowing the fluid in the fluidized section 28 to enter the fluid housing chamber 30; and a surface-area increasing means (22, 32, 34) for increasing the area of a contact surface with the fluid in the fluidized section 28.
US07749448B2	Capillary-channel probes for liquid pickup, transportation and dispense using stressy metal Fluidic conduits, which can be used in microarraying systems, dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes that include at least one capillary channel. Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels can either be integrated into the spring beams or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved.
US07749447B1	N-channel, Y-energy mode, Z-coupled nested gaussian surfaces for liquid(s) dispensing, liquid(s) treatment, liquid(s) introduction and solid(s) production methods and apparatus Femtoliter to milliliter volumes of one or a plurality of different liquids are accurately transported, dispensed and/or treated where the fluids are energized electrokinetically or in a hybrid mode where auxiliary energy sources including but not limited to pneumatic, piezoelectric; peristaltic; ultrasonic; thermal; gravitational, acoustic are employed concurrently or sequentially to transport liquids for various purposes from diverse devices. Liquids in nested Gaussian surfaces or common liquid handling devices (e.g., syringes) can be energized by electric induction or conduction of lumen or targets or both and are optionally concurrently or sequentially combined with non electrical energy to effect highly accurate volumetric and spatial liquid transport with active or passive flight direction yielding non touch or touch liquid sample placement, parallel dispensing, with or without filtration, SPE, LC, or other treatment technologies for scientific instrument introduction (e.g., MALDI/ESI), drug delivery, diagnostics, manufacturing of products, product tagging, sample preparation or related applications.
US07749444B2	Microfluidic device, method for testing reagent and system for testing reagent A microfluidic device for performing a test on the reagent includes a fill port formed on the chip to inject the reagent into at least one of the channels, one or more heating portions for performing a test on the reagent injected into the channel, and a micropump. An inside of the micropump and a vicinity of the channel connecting to an inlet and an outlet of the micropump are filled with a drive solution that is driven by the micropump, a gas is sealed between the reagent and the drive solution in the channel to prevent the reagent from contacting the drive solution directly, and the micropump directly drives the drive solution in the forward and backward directions, so that the reagent is repeatedly moved to the test portions through the gas in an indirect manner or is repeatedly passed through the test portions through the gas.
US07749443B2	Enhanced sampling device The present invention is directed to an enhanced sampling device, herein referred to as an ESD, for enhancing the collection efficiency of the SPME method by enhancing the flow of the analytes onto the sampling fiber. The ESD includes a tubular main body, used for a sampling shroud, which directs a flow of analytes to contact the fiber during collection. One end of the main body is open and faces the sample, allowing analytes to flow into the ESD and contact the fiber. A second piece of tubing branches from the other end of the main body and becomes an outlet port, possibly leading to a pump. The ESD permits more rapid transport and absorption of the analytes to the fiber for collection.
US07749437B2	Method and reagent for producing narrow, homogenous reagent stripes The present invention concerns a reagent coating mass which can be used in slot-die-coating of flat support materials in the manufacturing processes of test strips. Advantageously, the reagent mass of the invention exhibits certain superior rheological properties such as viscosity, surface tension and thixotropy. The reagent mass is preferably used to coat thin, narrow and homogeneous stripes of reagent material onto flat web material.
US07749430B2	Member for semiconductor device and production method thereof A member for a semiconductor device of low price, capable of forming a high quality plating layer on a surface, having heat conductivity at high temperature (100° C.) of more than or equal to 180 W/m·K and toughness that will not cause breaking due to screwing, and will not cause solder breaking due to heat stress when it is bonded to other member with solder, and a production method thereof are provided. A member for a semiconductor device (1) having a coefficient of thermal expansion ranging from 6.5×10−6/K to 15×10−6/K inclusive, and heat conductivity at 100° C. of more than or equal to 180 W/m·K, has: a base material (11) formed of an aluminum-silicon carbide composite material starting from powder material in which particulate silicon carbide is dispersed in aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the content of the silicon carbide is from 30% by mass to 85% by mass inclusive; and a superficial layer (12) containing aluminum or aluminum alloy starting from a melt material bonded on top and bottom faces of the base material (11).
US07749426B2	Method for controlling molten metal material leaking in injection apparatus of metal molding apparatus A method for controlling a molten metal material in an injection apparatus that includes a cylinder body with a nozzle at a front end, and a discharge opening on a bottom side of a rear portion. Heating means are provided on an outer periphery of the cylinder body and an injection cylinder is inserted onto an injection plunger for a forward and backward travel within a clearance inside the cylinder body. A material melting and supplying apparatus on a top portion of the injection cylinder has a bottom end outlet communicating with a cylinder body supply opening. Molten metal material accumulates from the supply opening in a cylinder front portion by backward plunge travel and is injected by a forward plunge travel. Heating means maintains the temperature of the molten metal material in front and middle cylinder portions and allows a lower temperature in a rear portion providing a seal metal as well as a lubricant.
US07749425B2	Nanoscale ceramic composites and methods of making A method of forming a nanoscale ceramic composite generally includes modifying a polymeric ceramic precursor, mixing the modified polymeric ceramic precursor with a block copolymer to form a mixture, forming an ordered structure from the mixture, wherein the modified polymeric ceramic precursor selectively associates with a specific type of block of the block copolymer, and heating the ordered structure for a time and at a temperature effective to form the nanoscale ceramic composite.
US07749421B2	Helicopter blade mandrel Methods and apparatus are provided for making a rotor blade spar from composite material wherein a multi-component mandrel is used to form the composite spar. The mandrel is made using a number of components, which are assembled to provide a structure that is sufficiently strong to maintain the spar shape during pre-cure lay up, compaction and curing of the composite material. The multiple components used to form the mandrel can be separated from each other and easily removed from the spar either before or after curing of the composite material. The mandrel components can then be re-assembled and re-used to form additional composite spars.
US07749417B2	Method and device for producing thin wafers from a film of active ingredients The invention relates to a method and a device for producing small, thin sheets from an active-ingredient film (2), in which the latter is produced by casting the film material onto a substrate material or by coating a substrate material, storing it with or without substrate material on a reel, pulling it off the reel and cutting it. It achieves the object of designing a method of this type in such a way that with this method small sheets can be produced as exactly as possible in predetermined sizes. To do this, the active-ingredient film (2) is pulled off automatically, is separated from a substrate material which, if present, and in tensioned form, is fed to a cutting station and is cut, in the feed direction, into long, narrow strips (7) of predeterminable width, and the long strips (7) are brought together in the feed direction and together are fed by a further feed device (10) to a transverse cutter (11), which cuts through the combined long strips (7) at predetermined intervals.
US07749416B2	Method of manufacturing substrate, method of manufacturing liquid ejection head, liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus The method of manufacturing a substrate, includes the steps of: preparing first and second members, the first member having a non-side face which is a top or bottom face of the first member, and side faces which intersect with the non-side face and have recess parts, the recess parts having first openings on the side faces and second openings on the non-side face, the second member having flat surfaces; in a state where the flat surfaces of the second member are in contact with the side faces of the first member so that the first openings are closed with the flat surfaces while the second openings are open, filling conductive paste into the recess parts from the second openings; curing the conductive paste filled in the recess parts; and separating the second member from the first member on which conducting parts are formed from the cured conductive paste.
US07749415B2	Method of making a hand access laparoscopic device The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.
US07749414B2	Composite membrane Composite membranes comprising at least one porous substrate layer and at least one microporous separation layer, comprising at least one zeolite of the MFI type, are described, the separation layer being produced by a hydrothermal synthesis in which the molar ratio of silicon to aluminum is greater than 120 and the separation layer contains less than 10% by weight of aluminum in elemental or chemically bound form in a zone of at least 100 nm adjacent to the separation layer.
US07749413B1	Method for refurbishing cyclindrical members The present invention provides a method of resurfacing a cylindrical member in a printer having a fuser member that is externally heated by a heater roller. The method includes providing a cylindrical member having an outer surface of a high temperature fluorothermoplastic. When it is determined that the outer surface is in need of resurfacing, the fuser member is removed from the printer, and the cylindrical member is mounted in the place of the fuser member. The cylindrical member is rotated at a speed of at least 1 rpm while engaging the outer surface of the fuser member with the heating roller normally used to heat the fuser member at a pressure of at least 5 psi at a temperature of at least 10° C. below the fluorothermoplastic melting temperature for a time sufficient to resurface of the outer surface of the cylindrical member.
US07749411B2	Optical film and production method of the same A method of producing an optical film comprising the step of: stretching a continuous resinous film by apply tension to a transverse direction of the resinous film while conveying the resinous film, wherein the stretching is carried out with a stretching apparatus comprising right and left edge holding devices which hold right and left edges of the resinous film; and, the right and left edge holding devices of the stretching apparatus each independently controls right and left edge holding distances of the resinous film so that a slow axis of the resinous film is substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to a film conveying direction, provided that the edge holding distance is defined as a distance between an initiation position and a cessation position of holding of the edge of the resinous film.
US07749408B2	Electro-optic dendrimer-based glass composites A composite having electro-optic activity including a chromophore compound dispersed in a host material comprising a dendronized chromophore compound, methods for making the composite, and electro-optic devices including the composite.
US07749403B2	Monofluorinated terphenyl compound having alkenyl, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal compound is provided that has stability to heat and an ultraviolet ray, a small viscosity, a suitable refractive index anisotropy, a suitable dielectric anisotropy, a nematic phase within a wide temperature range and favorable compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and a liquid crystal composition is also provided that has a particularly small viscosity. The liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by formula (1): wherein in formula (1), R1 is hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 5 carbons; one of X1 and X2 is hydrogen, and the other thereof is fluorine; and R2 is hydrogen or methyl.
US07749402B2	Methods of preventing frost formation and facilitating the removal of winter precipitation relative to a windshield and compositions for use therein Disclosed herein is a winter precipitation barrier composition, comprising: a retaining agent, a solvent, and optionally, an auxiliary component, such as a rheology/viscosity modifier, surfactant, detergent, foaming/defoaming additive, humectant, dye, colorant, fragrance, or a combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the retaining agent comprises a primarily hydrophobic monomer or a hydrophilic monomer.
US07749398B2	Selective-redeposition sources for calibrating a plasma process Calibration wafers and methods for calibrating a plasma process performed in a plasma processing apparatus, such as an ionized physical vapor deposition apparatus. The calibration wafer includes one or more selective-redeposition sources that may be used for calibrating a plasma process. The selective-redeposition sources are constructed to promote the redeposition of a controllable and/or measurable amount of material during the plasma process.
US07749397B2	Low ejection energy micro-fluid ejection heads A micro-fluid ejection device structure and method therefor having improved low energy design. The devices includes a semiconductor substrate and an insulating layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of heater resistors are formed on the insulating layer from a resistive layer selected from the group consisting of TaAl, Ta2N, TaAl(O,N), TaAlSi, Ti(N,O), WSi(O,N), TaAlN, and TaAl/TaAlN. A sacrificial layer selected from an oxidizable metal and having a thickness ranging from about 500 to about 5000 Angstroms is deposited on the plurality of heater resistors. Electrodes are formed on the sacrificial layer from a first metal conductive layer to provide anode and cathode connections to the plurality of heater resistors. The sacrificial layer is oxidized in a plasma oxidation process to provide a fluid contact layer on the plurality of heater resistors.
US07749394B2	Methods of treating water Disclosed is a method of providing potable water that includes providing a filter, passing water through the filter, and removing bacteria and viruses from the water with the filter. The filter comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles consisting of mesoporous activated carbon wherein at least a portion of the plurality of filter particles is at least partially coated with silver or a silver-containing material. A sum of mesopore and macropore volumes of the filter particles may be between about 0.2 mL/g and about 2 mL/g, wherein mesopore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter between 2 nm and 50 nm, and macropore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter greater than 50 nm, a total pore volume of the filter particles is greater than about 0.4 mL/g and less than about 3 mL/g, and a ratio of the sum of the mesopore and macropore volumes to the total pore volume of the filter particles is greater than about 0.3. The filter removes bacteria and viruses from the water at a level of Filter Bacteria Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 1 log.
US07749392B2	Dewatering process A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant further dewaters the suspension, characterized in that the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of above 30,000 cps (measured at 20° C.).
US07749388B2	Low volume filtration column devices and methods of filtering therewith This relates to filter columns for isolating nucleic acids, particularly at small elution volumes. The filter column is adapted for stable placement within the upper portion of standard plastic collection tubes of various sizes. The body of the filter column has a number of surfaces to accommodate placement within variously sized collection tubes. The filter column contains nucleic acid-specific filter which can be located at alternate regions within the filter column, providing different filter surface areas and loading volume capacities using the same column body. The filter column has an opening on an upper end adapted to be sealed by a cap. A method for recovering nucleic acids using such filter column is also provided.
US07749386B2	Desalination system The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.
US07749370B2	Manufacturing method of oxidative water to be employed for sterilization This invention provides the oxidative mixed water with pH around 7.4 ranging from the weak acidity to weak alkalinity, high power of killing microorganisms, and high power of healing wound by electrolysis using the three-compartment cell composed of an anode compartment, a cathode compartment, and a middle compartment between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment. Mixing anode water with cathode water produced using the three-compartment device forms the oxidative mixed water.
US07749366B2	Isolation and cloning of DNA from uncultivated organisms The present invention relates to a device for the isolation and/or purification of nucleic acid molecules suitable to bind and/or inactivate inhibitors of the activity of reagents or enzymes used for DNA manipulation and to separate a plurality of nucleic acid molecules with respect to their size. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the isolation of a nucleic acid molecule comprising applying a sample to the device of the invention wherein said nucleic acid molecule preferably represents a fraction of the metagenome of a given habitat. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the generation of at least one gene library comprising nucleic acid molecules isolated by the method of the invention and to a nucleic acid molecule isolated by the method of the invention.
US07749364B2	Coater having interrupted conveyor system Methods and coaters for applying films onto a substrate (e.g., a large-area glass substrate) are disclosed. Certain embodiments involve a coater for applying thin films onto a sheet-like substrate. The coater in some embodiments has a transport system adapted for conveying the substrate along a path of substrate travel extending through the coater. The substrate transport system in certain embodiments includes an upward coating deposition gap. The coater preferably has a source of coating material adapted for delivering coating material upwardly through such gap and onto a bottom major surface of the substrate as the substrate is conveyed along a desired portion of the path of substrate travel, which portion of the path of substrate travel extends over the upward coating deposition gap.
US07749362B2	Protection of reinforcement A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. It consists of connecting the steel (6) to a discrete sacrificial anode assembly (7) comprising a base metal (1), a relatively small quantity of catalytic activating agent in contact with the base metal and a substantially inert porous layer (3) that surrounds the base metal and catalytic activating agent. The inert porous layer efficiently maintains a sustainable concentration gradient of the catalytic activating agent between the base metal and the surrounding environment as a result of the electric field across this layer. The preferred porous layer comprises a material that exhibits a net repulsion of negative ions from its pore system and the preferred catalytic activating agent comprises doubly charged sulphate ions as small electric fields maintain very high concentration gradients of these ions resulting in high concentrations at the base metal surface and insignificant concentrations at the assembly periphery.
US07749359B2	Closed retort charcoal reactor system A reactor is provided for converting organic material to charcoal, with the reactor having a furnace and a retort extending through the furnace. The retort has an auger extending therethrough, with the auger having a flight with gaps therein. Members project inwardly from the walls of the retort at the gaps in the flight to unplug blockages in the retort. A gas collection system is provided which has a branched portion having two or more venting tubes, each with valves so that each may be shut off independently to allow to off-line cleaning without requiring shutdown of the system. A method for converting organic material may be practiced by introducing combustible materials into the reactor.
US07749355B2	Tissue paper The present invention provides for a tissue product comprising one or more tissue plies and having a total tensile value of less than about 1300 grams per inch, a Bulk300 of greater than about 13.5 cm3/g, and a caliper stability of greater than about 50%. The present invention also provides for a tissue product comprising at least three plies. The tissue product has a total tensile value of less than about 1300 grams per inch, a Bulk300 greater than about 11 cm3/g, and a caliper stability greater than 50%. The present invention further provides for a tissue product comprising as least two plies. The tissue product has a total tensile value of less than about 1300 grams per inch, a Bulk300 of greater than about 7.0 cm3/g, and a caliper stability of greater than about 83%.
US07749349B2	Methods and systems for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces Methods and apparatuses for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces to support members are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for processing a microfeature workpiece including a plurality of microelectronic dies comprises forming discrete blocks of material at a first side of a support member. The blocks are arranged on the support member in a predetermined pattern. The method also includes depositing an adhesive material into gaps between the individual blocks of material and placing a first side of the workpiece in contact with the adhesive material and/or the blocks. The method further includes cutting through a second side of the workpiece to singulate the dies and to expose at least a portion of the adhesive material in the gaps. The method then includes removing at least approximately all the adhesive material from the support member and/or the workpiece with a solvent.
US07749346B1	Decorative inlay repair method A decorative inlay repair method is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes providing a decorative inlay having a base, a plurality of adjacent bricks carried by the base and at least one decorative stone carried by the base; providing a structure having an inlay opening; and seating the decorative inlay in the inlay opening.
US07749345B2	Method of generating fluorine gas using coruscative reaction A fluorine gas generating material composition comprises a fluorine bearing material, the fluorine bearing material releasing fluorine gas at a first temperature, and a coruscative material, a reaction temperature of the coruscative material equal to or greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the fluorine bearing material is a nickel-based alloy and the coruscative material includes an element from Group IVB, VB or VIB of the periodic table or a transition metal and a carbon-based material. The fluorine gas generating material composition can be incorporated into a product such as a munition, a flare, a shape charge or an impulse device. The disclosed fluorine gas generating material composition can be used to produce work in applications and methods that include point delivery of fluorine gas, explosives related applications, aerospace applications, and applications in the fields of mining and drilling.
US07749342B2	Reinforced composite mechanical component, and method for making same A mechanical part presents a main direction along which there extends a central zone forming a core and a peripheral zone forming a casing that surrounds the core. The core and the casing present a metallurgical bond between each other. The core is made of a first material presenting at least a metal matrix, and the casing is made of a second material presenting at least a metal matrix. The metal matrices of the first and second materials are based on the same metal, and at least one of the first and second materials is made of a metal matrix composite containing reinforcing elements dispersed in the metal matrix. The mechanical part can be used as a blade for a fan or a low pressure compressor.
US07749340B2	Technique for increasing the compliance of lead-free solders containing silver A technique for technique for increasing the compliance of lead-free solders containing silver is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a Sn—Ag—Al alloy composition comprising (0.01-20)% Ag, (0.01-2)% Al, balanced with Sn. In another particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a Sn—Ag—Cu—Al alloy composition comprising (0.01-20)% Ag, (0.01-1)% Cu, (0.01-2)% Al, balanced with Sn. In still another particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a Sn—Ag—Al—Ni composition comprising (0.01-20)% Ag, (0.01-2)% Al, (0.01-4)% Ni, balanced with Sn. In yet another particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a Sn—Ag—Cu—Al—Ni alloy composition comprising (0.01-20)% Ag, (0.01-1)% Cu, (0.01-2)% Al, (0.01-4)% Ni, balanced with Sn.
US07749338B2	High burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of weld heat affected zone and method of production of same The present invention provides high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone and a method of production of the same, that is, high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone containing, by wt %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.01 to 2%, Mn: 0.05 to 3%, P≦0.1%, S≦0.03%, Al: 0.005 to 1%, N: 0.0005 to 0.005%, and Ti: 0.05 to 0.5% and further containing C, S, N, Ti, Cr, and Mo in ranges satisfying 0%
US07749337B2	Method for the passivation of metal surfaces with polymers containing acid groups Process for the passivation of metallic surfaces by treatment of the surface with an acidic, aqueous preparation which comprises at least one water-soluble acid group-containing polymer and Zn, Ca, Mg or Al ions, said process being in particular a continuous process for the passivation of strip metals.
US07749335B2	Dispenser rinse system for a drawer-type dishwasher A drawer-type dishwasher includes a tub having front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls that collectively define a washing chamber and a lid shiftably mounted relative to the tub for selectively closing the washing chamber. A dispenser is mounted to one of the front, rear and opposing side walls and includes a detergent storage portion that is selectively exposed to release detergent into the washing chamber. The lid includes a dispenser rinse system having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, with the outlet portion guiding a flow of water from the lid onto the dispenser to wash out the detergent storage portion and fill the washing chamber. The outlet portion is preferably provided with a shaped contour and a wall that ensures that the all detergent is washed out from the dispenser.
US07749334B2	Methods and agents for cleaning and disinfecting fragile medical appliances The invention relates to the use of agents, which contain at least one disinfection system based on selected organic peracids and combinations of peracids, in automatically functioning systems, in which fragile medical appliances, in particular, endoscopes, are cleaned and disinfected. According to the invention, the appliances are brought into contact with an aqueous disinfection agent solution after they have been treated and/or at the same time they are being treated with an aqueous cleaning solution. The invention also relates to cleaning and disinfection agents and methods which are all suited for carrying out this purpose.
US07749332B2	Detergent/cleaning agents with a gellan gum thickening system, methods for using the same and cleaning substrates containing the same Aqueous compositions comprising: (a) a surfactant; and (b) a thickening system comprising: (i) a gellan gum; and (ii) a thickener selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate thickeners, xanthan gums, guar flours, alginates, carrageenans, carboxy -methylcelluloses, bentonites, wellan gums, carob flours and mixtures thereof; wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty acid soap, and wherein the fatty acid soap is present in an amount of 2 to 20 % by weight based on the composition are disclosed, along with uses therefor.
US07749327B2	Methods for treating surfaces Some embodiments include methods for treating surfaces. Beads and/or other insolubles may be dispersed within a liquid carrier to form a dispersion. A transfer layer may be formed across a surface. The dispersion may be directed toward the transfer layer, and the insolubles may impact the transfer layer. The impacting may generate force in the transfer layer, and such force may be transferred through the transfer layer to the surface. The surface may be a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and the force may be utilized to sweep contaminants from the semiconductor substrate surface. The transfer layer may be a liquid, and in some embodiments may be a cleaning solution.
US07749324B2	Casting method of silicon ingot and cutting method of the same The present invention includes a method for casting a silicon ingot by using a continuous casting method by means of an electromagnetic induction, and a method for cutting the silicon ingot as a starting material into plural silicon blocks. When the silicon blocks with a square section are cut out, the sectional shape of the silicon ingot is set to be rectangular. Not less than 6 pieces of equal-sized silicon blocks are cut out from the silicon ingot, thereby enabling to enhance the manufacturing efficiency to a great extent. And since the amount of excision of the edge per silicon block is reduced, the production yield can be enhanced. Further, since the proportion of columnar crystals with large grain size inside the ingot can be increased, it becomes possible to enhance the conversion efficiency of a solar battery using the silicon block as a substrate material.
US07749322B2	Aluminium oxide powder produced by flame hydrolysis and having a large surface area Aluminium oxide powder produced by flame hydrolysis and consisting of aggregates of primary particles, having a BET surface area of from 100 to 250 m2/g, a dibutyl phthalate absorption of from 50 to 450 g/100 g of aluminium oxide powder, which powder shows only crystalline primary particles in high-resolution TEM pictures. It is prepared by vaporizing aluminium chloride, transferring the vapour by means of a carrier gas to a mixing chamber and, separately therefrom, supplying hydrogen, air (primary air), which may optionally be enriched with oxygen and/or may optionally be pre-heated, to the mixing chamber, then igniting the mixture of aluminium chloride vapour, hydrogen, air in a burner and burning the flame into a reaction chamber that is separated from the surrounding air, subsequently separating the solid material from the gaseous substances and then treating the solid material with steam and optionally with air, the discharge rate of the reaction mixture from the mixing chamber into the reaction chamber being at least 10 m/s, and the lambda value being from 1 to 10 and the gamma value being from 1 to 15. It can be used as an ink-absorbing substance in ink-jet media.
US07749319B2	Composition for surface conditioning and a method for surface conditioning A composition for surface conditioning includes bivalent or trivalent metal phosphate particles having a pH of 3 to 12, with D50 of the particles being 3 μm or less and including an amine compound having a MW of 1000 or less, plus at least one metal alkoxide in a content of from 0.01 to 1000 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the metal phosphate particles.
US07749318B2	Cellulose solutions in ionic liquids The present invention relates to a solution comprising cellulose and an ionic liquid comprising anions and cations as solvent, wherein the cations comprise at least one atom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus which is present in protonated form, its preparation and use for physical and chemical treatment.
US07749317B2	Fibrous blend and method of making A mixed polymer fiber, comprising a crosslinked polymer fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and cellulose fiber.
US07749314B2	Particulate matter accumulation amount detection apparatus and method A particulate matter accumulation amount detection apparatus includes a filter pressure loss detecting section, an incombustible component amount estimating section, an incombustible component accumulation state estimating section, and a particulate accumulation amount detecting section. The filter pressure loss detecting section is configured to detect an upstream-downstream differential pressure of an exhaust gas purification filter having a plurality of substrate walls. The incombustible component amount estimating section is configured to estimate an amount of an incombustible component. The incombustible component accumulation state estimating section is configured to estimate an accumulation state of the incombustible component on the substrate walls based on the engine operating state and the amount of the incombustible component. The particulate accumulation amount detecting section is configured to detect an amount of the particulate matter accumulated in the exhaust gas purification filter based on the upstream-downstream differential pressure and the accumulation state of the incombustible component.
US07749313B2	Air conditioning system for automotive vehicles An air conditioning system for automotive vehicles includes an air conditioning case having an internal passageway and an ionizer for emitting positive ions and negative ions into the internal passageway of the air conditioning case. The ionizer includes a main body and first and second discharge electrodes extending from the main body into the internal passageway in a spaced-apart relationship with each other. The air conditioning system further includes an electric short preventing arrangement for preventing moisture positioned in and around the first and second discharge electrodes from causing electric short between the first and second discharge electrodes. The electric short preventing arrangement comprises a water drainage rib for draining the moisture condensed in and around the first and second discharge electrodes to prevent the electric short between the first and second discharge electrodes.
US07749310B2	Device and method for cleaning a centrifugal separator The invention relates to devices and methods for cleaning centrifugal separators for concurrent and countercurrent separation of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in gaseous media. The device comprises a rotor (12) which is provided with a multiplicity of sedimentation members (14) and which is mounted rotatably in a surrounding housing (20). In concurrent separation, a flushing nozzle (36) is arranged upstream of the sedimentation members (14) in order to supply a cleaning liquid for flushing the sedimentation members clean. In countercurrent separation, the flushing nozzle is arranged upstream and/or downstream of the sedimentation members in order to supply cleaning liquid from outside and/or from inside the rotor for flushing the sedimentation members clean.
US07749309B2	Method for deacidifying a fluid stream and washing liquid used in such a method Disclosed is a method for deacidifying a fluid stream containing acidic gases as contaminants, according to which the fluid stream is brought into intimate contact with a washing liquid in at least one absorption step. Said washing liquid represents an aqueous solution containing a) tertiary aliphatic alkanolamines (alkanolamine A), at least 30 percent by weight of said tertiary aliphatic alkanolamines being 3-dimethylamino-1-propanol, and b) secondary aliphatic amines (activator B), at least 20 percent by weight of said secondary aliphatic amines being piperazin. The fluid stream which has been essentially purified of the acidic gases is then separated from the washing liquid that is loaded with acidic gases.
US07749308B2	Method for reducing hydrocarbon emissions A system for recovering and recycling otherwise vented or flared volatile and non-volatile reactive organic materials from pipeline and plant operations associated with oil and gas recovery, refining and petrochemical manufacture, processing and transportation includes a means to remove and store volatile hydrocarbons for a portion of a system or pipeline.
US07749306B2	Method of restarting feed air purifier A method of restarting a TSA apparatus includes, in the case where the TSA apparatus was stopped when or after when a temperature of a purge gas which flows out from a first adsorption column (5a) during a regeneration process became a peak temperature, in the first adsorption column (5a), closing an entrance valve, an exit valve, and an atmosphere-releasing valve; in a second adsorption column (5b) during an adsorption process, closing an entrance valve and an exit valve and opening an atmosphere-releasing valve so as to release a gas in the opposite direction to feed air flow, followed by closing the atmosphere-releasing valve; pressurizing, just before a restart, the second adsorption column (5b) with feed air to a pressure necessary for the adsorption process; and performing, after the restart, the regeneration process and the adsorption process continuously from the time point of stopping the TSA apparatus.
US07749301B2	Process for copper converting The process for converting a copper sulphide matte to blister copper, is achieved by adding the copper sulphide matte and flux to a suitable agitated slag phase; and injecting, from a discharge tip at the lower end of a top-submerged lance, an oxidizing gas suitable for reacting with the matte to produce blister copper which forms or adds to a continuous blister copper phase below the slag phase. The lance tip is located within the slag phase at a depth enabling the injected gas to agitate the slag phase, and to react with copper sulphide matte dispersed therein, while precluding a substantial proportion of the gas from contacting the continuous blister copper phase.
US07749297B2	High capacitance niobium powders and electrolytic capacitor anodes A niobium powder is described which when formed into an electrolytic capacitor anode, the anode has the capacitance of at least 62,000 CV/g. Methods of making flaked niobium powder which have high capacitance capability when formed into electrolytic capacitor anodes is also described. Besides niobium, the present invention is also applicable to other metals, including valve metals.
US07749295B2	Vacuum cleaner with removable dust collector, and methods of operating the same A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.
US07749294B2	Compact robot vacuum cleaner A robot cleaner that has a dust collection unit with a cyclone part generating an ascending rotary air current from the dust-laden air being drawn in through a lower part thereof, separating the dust from the air using a centrifugal force, and discharging the dust-separated air to the lower part through a center part, and a collection part surrounding the cyclone part to receive the dust being centrifugally separated.
US07749292B2	Cyclonic dust collecting apparatus A dust collecting apparatus for separating particles from an airflow comprises at least a first cyclonic separator for removing larger particles from the airflow and a plurality of second cyclonic separators, arranged in parallel and in tandem with one another, for removing smaller particles.
US07749286B2	Composition for dyeing keratin fibers and a method of dyeing hair using same A composition for dyeing keratin fibers that contains 0.1 to 30 percent of at least one substantially pure plant dye material obtained using solvent or supercritical CO2 extraction, combined with 0.01 to 5 percent of active metal in a metal or mineral salt capable of acting as a mordant as a two-part hair color system.
US07749285B2	Process for colouring and permanent shaping keratin fibres A process for coloring and permanently shaping keratin fibers especially human hair comprising applying to the human hair: (a) an aqueous coloring composition based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and optionally at least one coupling substance but not comprising any direct dye is mixed with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and applied onto hair and rinsed off from hair with water after processing 5 to 45 min at a temperature of 20 to 45° C. and towel dried, (b) placing the towel dried hair on curlers, (c) applying an aqueous composition comprising at least one reducing agent and rinsed off from hair with water after a processing time of 2 to 30 min at ambient temperature and towel dried, (d) applying a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and processed for 2 to 15 min and optionally rinsed off from hair with water and optionally towel dried, and (e) applying an aqueous oxidative coloring composition based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and optionally at least one coupling substance is mixed with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and rinsed off from hair with water after processing 5 to 45 min at a temperature of 20 to 45° C., towel dried and dried with a dryer or left to dry in the air.
US07749270B2	Expandable intervertebral implant and associated instrumentation An expandable intervertebral implant including an implant body transitionable between initial and expanded configurations, and having first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis with at least one of the walls defining a recessed region when the implant body is in the initial configuration. An expansion member co-acts with the axial wall to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded generally along the transverse axis. In another embodiment, the expansion member includes a first portion displaced along an axially extending slot formed in one of the walls, and a second portion displaced between the walls to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first portion of the expansion member defines a passage extending therethrough having an inner transverse dimension sized larger than an outer transverse dimension of the second portion.
US07749269B2	Spinal system and method including lateral approach Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.
US07749267B2	Expandable devices and methods for tissue expansion, regeneration and fixation Expandable devices and methods for treating and enlarging a tissue, an organ or a cavity. The device is composed of a hollow expanding pouch made of a resorbable material or a perforated material that can be attached to a filling element. The pouch can be filled with a biocompatible materials, one or more times in few days interval, after the insertion of the device. While filling the pouch every few days the tissue expands and the filling material if it is bioactive start to function. The devices allow immediate direct contact between the filling material and the tissue. These devices and methods can be used for example for: horizontal and vertical bone augmentation in the jaws, soft tissue augmentation, fixating bone fractures etc.
US07749266B2	Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
US07749265B2	Radio frequency antenna for a wireless intravascular medical device A radio frequency antenna is provided for use with a medical device for implantation into an animal. The antenna comprises a coil formed by a wire that includes a core formed of a shape-memory material with an electrically conductive first layer applied to an outer surface of the core. A second layer, of an electrically insulating and biologically compatible material, extends around the first layer. If necessary to reduce friction a lubricant is place between the first and second layers. If second layer is formed of porous material or a non-biological compatible material, a biological compatible outer layer surrounds the second layer thereby providing a barrier that is impermeable to body fluids of the animal.
US07749263B2	Poly(ester amide) filler blends for modulation of coating properties Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom.
US07749261B2	Forced air warming unit A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.
US07749260B2	Devices and methods for treatment of skin conditions Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described herein employ the application of heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 70° C. to about 400° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 1 second, and maintained for less than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the skin surface is heated with heat pulses. Thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.
US07749258B2	Bone anchoring device A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the anchoring element being movable relative to the receiving part in limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angles lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a fixation element cooperating with the receiving part to lock the anchoring element relative to the receiving part. The anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around one rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US07749254B2	Two-way slit valve A slit valve (10) for use with an inflatable medical device having a flange surface (12) with an opening therein. The slit valve (10) has a valve body (14) connected to the flange surface (12) and a chamber formed in the valve body (14) for accepting an inflation tube (34) inserted through the opening in the flange surface (12). The slit valve (10) has a concave section at one or both ends, which are connected by a slit (24) formed in the valve body (14).
US07749250B2	Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.
US07749245B2	Cardiac valve procedure methods and devices Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.
US07749244B2	Intravascular devices, retrieval systems, and corresponding methods A semi-retrievable intravascular filter (100) for deployment within a vessel (108) includes a support structure (104) for deployment around an internal surface of the vessel (108) and a filter structure (102) supported by interconnection with the support structure (104). The filter structure (102) is connected to the support structure (104) so as to be selectively detachable so as to facilitate removal of the filter structure (102) without the support structure (104). Also described are various retrieval systems for retrievable or semi-retrievable intravascular devices, and intravascular filter structures.
US07749239B2	Screw-device for anastomosis The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-) vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end to side or side to side. The screw-device is very easy to apply onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. Another advantage is that the screw-device can be mounted onto the receptor vessel without first opening and/or occluding this vessel. Later on, the receptor vessel wall can be opened with laser or scalpel. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
US07749237B2	Surgical repair kit and its method of use A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.
US07749236B2	Device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle The invention relates to a device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle, having a shaft on whose distal end the needle can be secured and whose proximal end is configured as a gripping portion equipped with an open guide channel for the sewing material that is to be guided. To create a device that is of simple construction and ensures reliable transport of the sewing material to the needle, the invention proposes that the guide channel can be locked mechanically, at least in sections.
US07749232B2	Electromagnetically guided spinal rod system and related methods An electronically guided spinal rod system for the placement of a spinal rod into the heads of pedicle screws and other types of bone fixation systems includes a bone screw inserter having rod access slots extending longitudinally for a length along the screw inserter, a rod detection system coupled to the rod access slots and a rod pusher for inserting a spinal rod through the rod access slots. The electronically guided spinal rod system insures that the spinal rod will be accurately positioned while allowing the operator complete freedom to choose its specific path into the screw inserter rod access slots.
US07749231B2	Instruments and techniques for separating bony structures Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.
US07749230B2	Device and method for distraction of the spinal disc space An extractable device is used to insert a medicinal filling into a spinal disc. The device comprises a filling member and a flowable medicine. The filling member is made of a flexible and permeable wall and is provided with a holding portion and an injection port via which the flowable medicine is injected into the holding portion after the filling member is inserted into the spinal disc. The holding portion is provided with an opening which is releasably lashed by one end of one or more threads so as to make the opening leakproof. Upon completion of solidification of the flowable medicine in the holding portion of the filling member, other end of the thread is pulled to unlash the opening of the holding portion, thereby enabling the filling member to be extracted from the spinal disc so as to leave only the medicine in the spinal disc.
US07749228B2	Articulatable apparatus for cutting bone An apparatus for cutting bone is provided, the apparatus includes an elongate member having a central axis. The elongate member includes a tubular portion that extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an articulatable head section with a stop surface and a cutting edge projecting from the stop surface. The head section is articulatable about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the central axis. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for articulating the head section relative to the tubular portion.
US07749226B2	Method for forming a tunnel in a bone A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.
US07749225B2	Surgical instrumentation and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion A surgical instrument and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion is provided. The instrument includes an elongate member and a cutting element engaged thereto and transitionable between a retracted configuration for extending through a first portion of the passage and an expanded configuration for forming a second portion of the passage having an enlarged cross-section. In one embodiment, the cutting element is transitioned between the retracted and expanded configurations by axially displacing the cutting element relative to the elongate member. In another embodiment, the elongate member includes a tapping thread configured to cut threads along the first portion of the passage, and the cutting element is a blade configured to form the enlarged cross-section when transitioned to the expanded configuration. In another embodiment, the cutting element is arranged in an axial orientation when in the retracted configuration and an angular orientation when in the expanded configuration.
US07749223B2	Navigated femoral axis finder A long bone axis finder has a shaft extending along an axis and a first and second end. A tip portion is provided for releasable coupling to the shaft first end. A wedge element having an open side is provided for lateral engagement with said shaft. The wedge element is slidable along said shaft in a direction from the second to the first end. The axis finder is inserted into a long bone medullary canal until the tip portion engages a narrower portion of the canal. The wedge portion which is larger than the tip is laterally placed on the shaft and engages a portion of the canal closer to the shaft second end.
US07749219B2	Method for indirectly ablating tissue using implanted electrode device Methods are provided for ablating tissue by implanting a plurality of electrode devices within the tissue to be treated and exposing the implanted electrode devices with RF energy conveyed from a separate electrode device. In this manner, a greater region of tissue is ablated than what would normally be ablated with the separate electrode device. In addition, the implanted electrode devices can create a roadmap that allows the progress of the treatment to be managed during follow-ups. The implanted electrode devices can be variously delivered to the tissue, for example, by detaching the electrode devices from one or more delivery devices. For example, a core wire with an electrolytically detachable junction can be used to separate the electrode device from the core wire. Pusher rods with mechanically detachable junctions are also contemplated.
US07749217B2	Method and system for optically detecting blood and controlling a generator during electrosurgery A method and electrosurgical system for optically detecting blood and controlling an electrosurgical generator are provided. An optical blood detection system is used for optically detecting blood and may be included as an integral part of the overall electrosurgical system's circuitry, or may be designed as a separate unit that connects to, and controls, an electrosurgical generator. The optical blood detection system may be embodied through a variety of analog, digital and/or optical circuit components or arrangements, including software running on computational and memory circuitry. The optical blood detection system controls the output mode and energy of the electrosurgical generator in accordance with the amount of blood detected.
US07749211B2	Body conforming absorbent garment and methods for the use and manufacture thereof An absorbent garment includes a chassis having first and second layers and an elastic core sandwiched therebetween. The chassis defines front and rear body panels each having elastic regions exhibiting a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10% when elongated 80% for a period of 30 minutes at 37° C. and 60% relative humidity and then allowed to relax under a zero applied force. An absorbent composite is coupled to the chassis.
US07749210B2	Disposable diaper A disposable diaper has a through-hole formed in an inner sheet destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin so that this through-hole may communicate with a pocket for receiving feces. The inner sheet is formed with an elastic area extending in a longitudinal direction along transversely opposite side edges of the through-hole. In a crotch region of the diaper, a stiffening sheet strips are attached to the inner sheet between the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper and the transversely opposite side edges so that the respective stiffening sheet strips extend in a transverse direction.
US07749203B2	Long-term indwelling medical devices containing slow-releasing antimicrobial agents and having a surfactant surface A medical device for long-term implantation is provided, as well as a method of making the same and a method of treatment using the same. The medical device comprises (1) a reservoir including (a) a polymer matrix and (b) an antimicrobial agent disposed within the polymer matrix, wherein the reservoir is adapted for long-term release of the antimicrobial agent from the polymer matrix; and (2) a surfactant region disposed over the reservoir at an outer surface of the device.
US07749197B2	Electroactive polymer-based percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy tube and methods of use Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and devices for providing percutaneous access to a tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a PEG tube is provided having an elongate member with a proximal end adapted to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface, a distal end adapted to be inserted through tissue, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and adapted to allow fluid flow there through. The PEG tube can also include an electrically actuatable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate member and configured to change dimensionally upon delivery of electrical energy thereto. In use, the electrically actuatable element can be adapted to expand to engage tissue and secure the distal end of the PEG tube to the tissue.
US07749190B2	Seal structures for wet/dry automatic injectors An automatic medicament injector having a compartment for a dry medicament component and a compartment for a wet medicament component. The two compartments are separated by a seal structure that converts from a sealing condition to a mixing condition when the device is activated. The seal structure includes a wiper that scrapes the interior walls in the dry component compartment to prevent the dry component from accumulating at the seal/glass interface. A tapered insert funnels the mixed medicament components to an attached needle assembly, but can be removed when the device is filled. A filter is provided between the medicament compartments and the needle assembly. A chamber between the filter and the needle allows for better flow through the filter. An actuation assembly drives the seal structure into the mixing condition and forces the mixed medicament through the needle and into the user.
US07749184B2	Apparatus and method of monitoring a vascular access of a patient subjected to an extracorporeal blood treatment In the apparatus and method for monitoring a vascular access (6) of an extracorporeal circuit (5; 10) of a patient, a control and calculation unit (17) varies a flow rate of a blood pump (9) predisposed to cause blood to circulate in the extracorporeal circuit. The control and calculation unit receives the pressure values in the blood withdrawal line (5) and the blood return line (10) from two pressure sensors (8, 12); the pressure values are a series of different values of the blood flow rate. The control and calculation unit processes the data gathered by means of a mathematical model which describes the variation of pressure in the vascular access as a function of the flow rate, in order to determine the blood flow rate in the vascular access. The invention detects the presence and location of a stenosis at the vascular access of a patient subjected to a hemodialysis treatment.
US07749178B2	Inductively chargeable massager A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.
US07749174B2	Method and apparatus for lancet launching device intergrated onto a blood-sampling cartridge A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment consists of an apparatus which integrates lancing, sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device.
US07749172B2	Pneumatic circuit A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.
US07749167B2	Apparatus and method for ultrasonic diagnostic imaging An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and method wherein both imaging of a contrast effect and imaging of a tissue appearance before and after inflow of a contrast medium can be realized on condition that low-power transmission and a high frame rate are maintained. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission/reception unit for transmitting subject ultrasonic waves with a band substantially centered at a fundamental frequency and generating a received signal based on an ultrasonic echo from the subject, a harmonic unit for extracting a signal of a harmonic component of the fundamental frequency included in the received signal and extracting a signal of the fundamental component with the band substantially centered the fundamental frequency included in the received signal, and a display unit for generating a display image based on the extracted harmonic and fundamental components.
US07749163B2	Universal scissors joint apparatus A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.
US07749160B2	Endoscope device An endoscope device includes an objective lens group that is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen of a subject and is used to observe or photograph the subject, and an illumination device that is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and illuminates the subject using LED. The illumination device is provided with LED chips and an LED chip supporting block that supports these LED chips, and at least a portion of the objective lens group is mounted on the LED supporting block.
US07749159B2	Large area thermal ablation A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
US07749154B2	System and method for manipulating sleep architecture by sub-awakening non-intrusive stimulations The present invention which is a new system and method employing stimulation control to treat sleep disorders, and improve sleep states operates in a dynamic, adaptable manner without causing a premature state of arousal. Stimulation is achieved by controlling a wide variety of environmental factors around the sleeping person. The invention is based on a real-time, self-adaptive feedback system including a sleep and environment monitoring unit or a preset adjustable protocol, an integrating, controlling and deciding unit and a stimulation unit. The system and method take into account individual variability and sensitivity to sensory stimulation and phenomena as adaptation and sensitization. The system and method are aimed at improving the overall sleep architecture, and correcting specific disorders. Alternatively the same invention may be used to promote alertness, specific moods and conditions in the awake subject. The invention may be used by professional in sleep laboratories or by individuals in a home environment. It may be adjusted to operate on groups of people and on non-human subjects.
US07749150B2	Device for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body The invention relates to a device for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body comprising a radiation delivering means for placing at least one energy emitting source at a desired position within the cavity for performing radiation treatment. The device includes at least one permanent implant element for placement in the body cavity that is made from a non-deformable material and has an outer surface around which the inner surface of the body cavity will adapt or conform itself. The invention aims to provide a device and method for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body, wherein the radiation treatment is performed in a far more accurate and reproducible manner and wherein the device causes far less discomfort to the patient.
US07749147B2	Airbag folding device and airbag folding method There are provided an airbag folding device, and an airbag folding method, for mechanically folding an airbag to form a doughnut-shaped airbag. The airbag folding device is characterized in comprising a support member (62) columnar in shape, rising while supporting a tubular tether belt (11a), an outer cylinder (63) coaxial with the support member (62), for containing the airbag body (10a) on the outside of the support member (62), by rising, a work table (61) having the support member (62), and the outer cylinder (63), and a clamping member (64) positioned straight above the support member (62), for clamping the tubular tether belt (11a) between the clamping member (64) and the support member (62), wherein a pair of plates (65) in such a state as to cover an upper end of the outer cylinder (63), and to be fitted to a lower end of the clamping member (64) cause the support member (62), the outer cylinder (63) and the clamping member (64) to concurrently descend.
US07749146B2	Fitness and rehabilitation apparatus A flexible exercising and massaging apparatus formed from tubular, flexible, web-like material and having a plurality of internal pockets, along with an exercise regimen that includes the apparatus. The pockets located at opposite ends of the tubular material may hold objects such as resilient, hand-graspable orbs, including tennis balls, that aid in gripping the apparatus, and which have also been found to be conducive to self-massage therapy. The objects located within an intermediate pocket or pockets may be removed, and alternative objects inserted, through openings that allow access to a preselected pocket or pockets. The openings may be enclosed with resealable fasteners.
US07749142B2	Therapeutic device A physical therapy apparatus includes a pole, a weighted base, and one or more types of grips. Weights are attached to the pole near the grips to counterbalance gravitational forces on the user and to thereby provide evenly proportioned tension throughout the full range of motion of the apparatus as it is moved. The apparatus may be moved in virtually any direction, providing constant tension for working and stretching muscles to aid in recovery from muscle injuries.
US07749138B2	Integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill An integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill having a slide pusher supported by a pneumatic cylinder at the bottom of a platform frame thereof. In this way, the rear support may be pushed upward to bring the platform frame in a vertical stable folding position or in a flat ground-touching position when the platform frame is moved upward and downward. Meanwhile, the rear support is provided with a push rod opposing to the handrail assembly. The push rod is adapted to push a coupling cross shaft having a rotation disc at both sides thereof, respectively. In this way, the handrail assembly fixed coaxially to the rotation discs can be synchronically moved in a flat position or in an upright position.
US07749136B2	Gearbox actuation system and method for adjusting a gearbox actuation system A method for the adjustment of a gearbox actuation system of an automated gearbox of a vehicle. The gearbox includes a shift finger; a plurality of gearshift rails, each rail in the plurality of gearshift rails in a respective position; a neutral gap with a first portion formed by respective jaws for said each rail and with a second portion formed separate from the respective jaws and open to the first portion; and, a gearshift motor. The method includes the step of performing at least one reference travel with a gear in the automated gearbox engaged.
US07749134B2	Control module A control module, in particular for a transmission of a motor vehicle, has a substrate part, a control unit situated on a substrate part, which has a first housing part and a second housing part and a housing interior situated between the first housing part and the second housing part, in which an electronic circuit component attached to the first housing part is situated, and has at least one flexible printed circuit foil for electrically connecting the circuit component to electric components situated outside the housing interior on the substrate part, the first housing part of the control unit being situated flat on a contact area of the substrate part and the second housing part being situated within the contact area on the first housing part.
US07749132B2	Clutch engagement control apparatus for hybrid vehicle A clutch control apparatus is provided for a hybrid vehicle having at least two different power sources and a clutch disposed between the power sources and the drive wheels arranged to vary a transmission torque capacity. A separate clutch input and output speed sensing device senses the actual clutch input and output speeds respectively. A controller is configured to calculate a target vehicle driving torque according to a driver's operation and the vehicle running condition.
US07749131B2	Vehicular drive system and control method A vehicular drive system includes a standby control apparatus which controls a switch to standby control based on a switching line graph that has a standby region that places a differential state switching device in a state just before it starts to apply. This standby region is located between a differential region and a locked region on the switching line graph. Accordingly, when the differential state switching device enters the standby region from the differential region, it is placed in a state just before it starts to apply. As a result, the differential state switching device is quickly able to have the necessary torque capacity when the engine torque is increased, which suppresses a decrease in the durability of the differential state switching device.
US07749130B2	Vehicle, driving system, and control methods of the same At the time of a change of a gearshift position SP from a neutral (N) position to a drive (D) position (step S220), when a vehicle speed V is not lower than a preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: yes), the control procedure of the invention connects a power shaft with a driveshaft and attains an actual gear change of a transmission to a first speed (step S240). The reference speed Vref1 may be set to a slightly higher vehicle speed than an upper limit of a specific vehicle speed range having a potential for over rotation of a first motor by the gear change of the transmission to the first speed. When the vehicle speed V is lower than the preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: no), on the other hand, the control procedure prohibits the connection of the power shaft with the driveshaft and the actual gear change of the transmission to the first speed. This arrangement desirably prevents the over rotation of the first motor caused by the gear change of the transmission to the first speed in the state that the vehicle speed V is lower than the preset reference speed Vref1.
US07749124B2	Vehicle differential gear device, vehicle combined differential gear device and vehicle differential case A vehicle differential gear device has: a differential case having a plurality of pinion gear insertion holes and a side gear passage hole; a plurality of shaftless type pinion gears that are rotatably supported in the plurality of pinion gear insertion holes formed in the differential case; and a pair of side gears that are rotatably supported in the differential case, engage with the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, and has an outer diameter greater than that of the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, the side gear passage hole allowing passage of the pair of side gears.
US07749123B2	Cycloid limited slip differential and method A differential is provided comprising a rotatable differential housing, first and second output members, a first cycloid disk having an epitrochoid groove, a second cycloid disk having a hypotrochoid groove, a coupling disk connected having a plurality of holes each containing a sphere, wherein the spheres are engageable with the grooves for transferring torque between the cycloid disks. A method is also provided for distributing torque in a vehicle having two axles including at least one drive axle, including attaching one axle to a cycloid disk having a continuous epitrochoid groove, attaching another axle to a cycloid disk having a continuous hypotrochoid groove, attaching a rotatable housing to a center coupling disk having a plurality of holes, and positioning a torque transfer sphere that is engageable with the grooves in each of the holes, wherein the spheres are configured for distributing torque along the drive axles.
US07749122B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes a planetary gear arrangement, and a plurality of engaging elements each arranged to vary an engagement state among the rotating elements of the planetary gear arrangement in such a manner to establish a normal gear ratio set and an emergency gear ratio set excluded from the normal gear ratio set. A control section performs the following: selecting a gear from the normal gear ratio set in accordance with a running state of a vehicle under normal operating conditions; controlling the engagement state of each of the engaging elements in such a manner to shift into the selected gear; establishing, when an interlock state is detected, an escape gear by releasing one of the engaging elements needed to be applied to establish the selected gear; and identifying an incorrectly-applied engaging element in accordance with the running state of the vehicle resulting from establishing the escape gear.
US07749121B2	Transmission structure for an electrically operated bicycle An improved structure of a transmission structure for an electrically operated bicycle, structured to include an electric mechanism and a pedal coaxially disposed on a pedal shaft of a bicycle. The present invention is characterized in that: a rotating shaft of the electric mechanism is a hollow tube that passes through two sides of the electric mechanism; the pedal shaft of the pedal mechanism penetrates and is disposed within the rotating shaft and is able to rotate therein; and the driving chain wheel is pivotal disposed on an outer side of the rotating shaft. One side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to the rotating shaft of the electric mechanism by means of a clutch, and the other side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to a pedal crank of the pedal mechanism by means of a unilateral bearing.
US07749119B2	Device and method for inserting an articulation pin for a chain particularly for bicycles A device for inserting an articulation pin (28) to pivotally connect the outer plates (12) and the inner plates (14) of a chain, particularly a bicycle chain. The device comprises an articulation pin (28) and a guide element (30) which is to be separated from the pin (28) after the insertion of the pin (28) within aligned holes (16, 18) of the plates (12, 14). The pin (28) is provided at one end thereof with a snap engaging portion (38) shaped so as to expand the holes (16) of the outer plates (12) in a radial direction during the insertion of the pin.
US07749113B2	Lacrosse head with increased strength and playability characteristics A lacrosse head that is constructed of multiple different materials or components having different strength characteristics with the stronger materials or components located in predetermined locations to provide increased resistance to flex and/or breakage in those areas while allowing desired flex in some areas. The lacrosse head is co-formed of the multiple different materials by such processes as injection molding, gas assist injection molding, compression molding, thermal forming and extrusion such that the multiple different materials are coupled to form a single integrated structure.
US07749111B1	System and method for bonding an acrylic surface to a frame A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from about 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
US07749104B2	Golf club head A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may generally include a strike face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a heel portion, a toe portion, and a hosel having a central axis located in an first imaginary vertical plane. A discrete, at least partially curvilinear stiffening element, having generally vertical side surfaces, may be coupled to at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion to improve the dynamic-excitation response of the club head. Preferably, the stiffening element is oriented such that an imaginary horizontal line intersects at least one of the vertical surfaces at least two points. Additionally, the stiffening element may have at least two inflection points located along a non-linear path characterized by the vertical projection of one of the side surfaces onto at least one of the bottom portion and the top portion of the club head.
US07749101B2	Wood-type golf club head A wood-type golf club head includes a metal sole portion, an elastic body and a weight member. At least one recess is defined in the metal sole portion to extend in a front-rear direction over at least half-length of a front-rear length of the sole portion. The elastic body is embedded in the recess. The weight member is fixed to the recess to cover the elastic body. The weight member is flush with the sole portion. A total area of the recess is in a range of 10% to 60% of that of the sole portion.
US07749098B2	Vertically curved face putter with multiple horizontal contact facets A golf putter head having a vertically curved putter face with multiple horizontal contact facets. The face has a vertical radius of curvature that is at least 2 inches and no more than 3.5 inches. The face includes a plurality of horizontal contact facets that are vertically curved to match the vertical radius of curvature. The contact facets, along with the radius of curvature, ensure that no more than two of the horizontal contact facets contact the golf ball when struck by the putter head at a speed of less than 15 miles per hour. The putter produces a horizontal linear contact, or impact, geometry that compensates for misdirection of the path of the putter head throughout the stroke of the putter head. At least one of the horizontal contact facets is located at an elevation above the center of curvature and at least one is located below.
US07749094B2	Golf club grip and manufacturing method thereof A golf club grip includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The first grip member has a dark color and a first material density. The second grip member which has a light color and a second material density which is greater than the first material density, wherein the first grip member is integrated with the second grip member in an edge-to-edge manner to form an elongated tubular structure. When the first grip member and the second grip member is heated to integrate with each other, particles of the second grip member crosses over the first grip member to form a predetermined amount of light color at the first grip member, while the light color formed at the first grip member is adapted to be overlaid by the dark color so as to render the light color and the dark color sharply distinguishable on the gold club grip.
US07749092B2	Device for practicing putting with magnetic and electromagnetic ball return A device for practice putting of golf balls is provided comprising a platform covered by a synthetic matting simulating a putting surface 2, a standing area 1 for the golfer with first 16 and second 19 foot operated electrical on/off switches for operating an electromagnetic return means such that the golfers can retrieve each golf ball without ever changing their putting position.
US07749090B2	Billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors A billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box.
US07749085B2	Network game system A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement. In the game machine, a first receiver receives the first data transmitted by the first transmitter, an updater updates the first data stored in the first storage with the first data received by the first receiver, and a controller controls the game machine based on the first data stored in the first storage, the second data stored in the second storage and the third data stored in the third storage.
US07749073B2	Wagering game with enhanced payline feature The present invention is a method of conducting a wagering game having a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, comprising allowing a player to select one or more of a plurality of basic paylines (70) to define active paylines and, in response to the player meeting certain criteria, allowing a player to activate an enhanced payline (75). The method further includes randomly selecting a game outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input, and displaying the game outcome as symbols aligned along the active paylines and the enhanced payline. Symbol combinations appearing along the active payline indicate awards according to a first paytable, while symbol combinations appearing along the enhanced payline (75) indicate awards according to a second paytable. The second paytable includes at least one winning symbol combination that is different from symbol combinations within the first paytable.
US07749070B2	Gaming device having multiple selectable components that determine an award A gaming device including a rotatable symbol display having a plurality of sections and a plurality of symbol modifying indicators. Each of the sections includes a value which is modified by a modifier generated by an activated symbol modifying indicators. The modified awards are added together and provided to the player in the game. In one embodiment, a selection display including a plurality of selections is displayed to the player. The selections are associated with each of the symbol modifying indicators. The gaming device enables the player to pick one or more of the selections to activate one or more of the symbol modifying indicators. The player picks the selections until the player picks a selection including a terminator.
US07749069B2	Entertainment and gaming devices coupled to an indication of payout percentage characteristics Coin-operated player-operable entertainment machines, such as fruit machines with symbol-selecting reels, are linked to a common display device. The machines are used to play games which may result in wins, dependent upon at least one machine parameter. The machine parameter may be the percentage pay out for which the machines are set, i.e., the proportion of stake value returned as awards. The percentages may be different for different machines and this may be shown on the common display device.
US07749068B2	Gaming device having a destination pursuit bonus scheme with advance and setback conditions A gaming device having a plurality of locations including a destination location, a player symbol and an award associated with a plurality of the locations. The gaming device includes a setback condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the associated setback condition, the player symbol is relocated based on the setback condition to one of the locations further from the destination location and an advance condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the advance condition, the player symbol is relocated based on the advance condition to one of the locations toward to the destination location. The player symbol is moved to at least one and preferably a plurality of the locations and the player is provided any awards associated with the locations of the player symbol until the player symbol is moved to or beyond the destination location.
US07749066B2	Enhanced process for gaming using multiple random progressive prize opportunities and bingo-type of gaming products thereby Novel enhanced gaming systems employ unique, specialized, for example, FIRESTAR ™ type of indicia disposed upon at least one location of a plurality of pre-mapped locations housed on, for example, a multiplicity of bingo-type of cards. Percentages of indicia arrayed on, for example, card sets are controlled by a gaming proprietor's or operator's configuration settings as are the respective locations of the subject indicia, for example, by using a random number generator to induce players to participate in multiple opportunities to garner prizes, for example, for achieving a bingo-type of victory concomittant with pre-established winning requirements and a pre-selected occurrence of a unique specialized indicum. Progressive reports serve to keep players, proprietors/operators and gaming authorities apprised of earnings both in terms of amounts, odds and related data on occurrence of the same indicia in real time providing unique inducement and tracking value in both hard copy and electronic form.
US07749059B2	Poker game with sequential hand opportunity A poker game offers the possibility of sequential hand play and large payoffs. In one embodiment, a first set of cards is used to form a first poker hand. A draw feature may allow the player to discard cards and obtain replacement cards. If the first poker hand is a predetermined winning set of cards or has a first rank, then the outcome is a winning outcome. Otherwise, the game ends. If the first hand is a winning outcome, the player may be paid winnings or play a subsequent hand in which the player attempts to achieve a hand having a higher rank than the previous hand. If the second hand has a higher rank than the previous hand, the player may be paid winnings or continue playing. In one embodiment, payouts for particular ranks or hands increase as the game continues.
US07749051B2	Method and apparatus for aligning optical elements In the case of a method and an apparatus for manually aligning ophthalmic spectacle lenses (5), in particular semifinished products of progressive lenses, the spectacle lens is held for the purpose of machining the free side of the spectacle lens by a first holder via a connecting material situated therebetween. The holder is inserted into a cutout of a retaining device, the free side being machined. After machining of the free side of the spectacle lens, the first holder is inserted into a cutout of an adapter part that is provided with markings. Thereafter, the spectacle lens is aligned with the aid of the markings of the adapter part, the spectacle lens being held in a second holder via a further connecting material situated therebetween. The second holder is subsequently inserted in the retaining device. Finally, the first holder is removed from the spectacle lens together with the adapter part and the connecting material.
US07749049B2	Submerged fluid jet polishing Fluid jet polishing (FJP) is a method of contouring and polishing a surface of a component by aiming a jet of a slurry of working fluid from a nozzle at the component and eroding the surface to create a desired shape. During erosion, the end of the nozzle and the component are submerged within the working fluid, whereby air is not introduced into the closed loop of working fluid slurry. Any bubbles that are present in the system simply bubble to an air pocket at the top of the erosion chamber and are not re-circulated, thereby producing surfaces with very smooth surface finishes.
US07749046B2	Toy vehicle A toy vehicle may include a drive unit; a plurality of wheels; mechanical linkage coupling the drive unit to one or more of the wheels to permit energy stored in the drive unit to be discharged to drive the one or more driven wheels and propel the vehicle; and a user operable selector mechanism configured to permit a user of the toy to select, from a plurality of different speeds, a desired speed at which the vehicle is propelled when energy from the drive unit is discharged through the one or more driven wheels.
US07749038B2	Light emitting device fabrication method A light emitting device fabrication method. The fabrication method of the light emitting device comprises providing a light emitting semiconductor device; positioning a plurality of luminescent particles at the optical path of the light emitting semiconductor device; and reducing the distance between the luminescent particles to enhance the molecular attraction between the luminescent particles, than the luminescent particles is coagulated to a luminescent powder layer by the molecular attraction.
US07749037B2	Process for fabricating an organic electronic device using liquid deposition and devices made by the process The present invention relates to a process for forming an organic electronic device having at least two organic layers. The process includes (a) applying a first organic layer having a first organic material by a method selected from vapor deposition and liquid deposition from a first organic liquid medium; (b) applying a second organic layer having a photoactive compound directly over at least a portion of the first organic layer by liquid deposition from a second organic liquid medium, wherein the first organic material is sparingly soluble in the second organic liquid medium.
US07749033B1	Amphibious surface vehicle with synchro-phased rotary engagement devices This invention is directed to a novel amphibious surface vehicle (10) having a hull like chassis (11) with a plurality of rotary engagement devices (14) adapted for travel over various surface terrains and fluidic substances (17). Each engagement device includes rotors (16) having a multi-lobular periphery that provides improved tractive and propulsive attributes. The rotors are coupled through a driven eccentric hub (30) and phased by a non-circular internal gear pair (27, 37) so as to provide synchronized linear motion upon a weight bearing surface (15). The rotors with an overlapping contact ratio which produces increased traction and bearing area translating to improved overall performance upon a planar surfaces (15). This overlapping action becomes more paddle like when surface penetration occurs or by adjusting lever (19) aggressively changing the phasing incidence of the rotors (16), which is conducive to fluidic propulsion on water or other low shear strength substances (17).
US07749028B2	Micro USB compatible combo system connector A combination receptacle for electrically or optically communicating information via a cable medium includes a first receptacle having at least one first contact arranged in a first footprint of the first receptacle, said first receptacle configured to receive a first connector, and a second receptacle having at least one second contact arranged in a second footprint of the second receptacle, said second receptacle configured to receive a second connector. The first footprint and the second footprint at least partially overlap.
US07749026B1	Isolator This invention relates to an isolator. Primarily, an insulation cover is inserted by a connector being disposed with a plug-in unit. At least one iron core is disposed around a tube at the other end of a connector. A front cover is connected with a fixing seat having a first space and a second space in which first and second ring capacitors are respectively received. An insulation sleeve is arranged between the first and second ring capacitors. One end of each ring capacitor is disposed with a circular spring correspondingly. The other end of the fixing seat is connected to an outer tube, the outer end of which is arranged with a terminal portion with a plug-in unit mounted therein. Thereby the simplified structure of the isolator with an isolated ground effect improves the impedance matching and has properties of better bandwidth flatness, lower insertion loss, and better return loss.
US07749025B2	Shielded connector and method of manufacturing shielded connector There is provided a method of manufacturing a shielded connector which includes: a terminal-attached wire; a housing containing the terminal of the terminal-attached wire; a shielded shell integrated to the housing; a knitted conductor mounted to the wire; and a shield ring interposing the knitted conductor between the shield ring and the shielded shell so that the knitted conductor is electrically connected to the shielded shell. The method includes: inserting, into the shielded shell, a single core having a stepped portion formed in a opposed drawing direction; bringing a contact portion formed at the shielded shell into contact with the core; covering the shield ring on the shielded shell via the knitted conductor; and calking the shield ring, the knitted conductor, and the shielded shell from outer side of the shield ring to form, on the shielded shell, a calk-deformed portion contained into the stepped portion of the core.
US07749023B2	Plug connector having a secondary lock for an electrical plug connection A plug connector for an electrical plug connection including a contact chamber housing, having a plurality of contact chambers for receiving a contact body each, which is introducible into the contact chamber and is primarily engaged in the contact chamber housing in its end position, and having a secondary locking element which is guided displaceably across the direction of introduction of the contact bodies and which, in its locking position, respectively protrudes laterally into the contact chambers with a locking projection for secondarily locking the contact bodies primarily engaged there. The contact chamber housing is subdivided into a plurality of contact chamber housing sections each having at least one series of contact chambers by one or more parallel separating gaps, each of the contact chambers being open toward a separating gap or an outside of the contact chamber housing parallel thereto, the secondary locking element is a frame subdivided into compartments by one or more parallel partitions, the partitions engaging into the separating gaps when the secondary locking element is plugged onto the contact chamber housing, closing the laterally open contact chambers, and the secondary locking element plugged onto the contact chamber housing is displaceably guided across the direction of introduction of the contact bodies into the locking position.
US07749022B2	Tightening indicator for coaxial cable connector A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end, an inner body having a first inner end and a second inner end, and a post interconnected with the inner body. A fastener portion is at the first end of the outer body. A compression sleeve is disposed to fit on the second inner end. The post, the inner body, and the compression sleeve are movable with respect to the outer body between a first position in which the connector is not mounted to an equipment port and a second position when the connector is mounted to the equipment port. When the fastener portion is mounted to the equipment port, an indicator portion on the compression sleeve is made visible to a user.
US07749021B2	Segmented annular gland chuck for terminating an electrical cable The invention provides a connector for terminating an electrical cable, including: a connector body having a receiving and an egressing end, axially bored therethrough; a compression nut attachable to the cable egressing end; and an annular segmented gland chuck for engagement with the cable for securing the cable within the body; the segmented chuck including an annular base and a plurality of circumferentially spaced chuck segments extending from the base, each the chuck segment being axially deflectable about a base hinge perpendicular to the axis and circumferentially deflectable towards the axis about a segmented hinge parallel to the axis.
US07749018B1	Electrical wiring system The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system. The system includes a plug connector device that is configured to terminate a plurality of wires. A portion of the plurality of wires are configured to transmit electrical power provided by an electrical power distribution system. An electrical wiring device is configured to provide the electrical power to a load. The electrical wiring device includes a receptacle disposed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive the plug device, such that electrical continuity is established between the electrical wiring device and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the receptacle.
US07749017B2	High frequency unit with improved mounting plate Provided is a high frequency unit for suppressing deformation of a mounting plate which needs to be concerned when attaching or detaching an external connector, at low cost and high reliability of a connection between a core of a coaxial connector and a circuit board. The high frequency unit includes: a circuit board on which a high frequency circuit unit is formed, a shield case having a frame shape enclosing the circuit board with a plurality of side walls; a partition wall for partitioning a space on the circuit board; a mounting plate which is made of a rectangular metal sheet disposed to face the circuit board and of which three peripheral portions of an outer edge are supported by the two side walls and the partition wall; a coaxial connector fixed to the mounting plate; and a sheet metal cover covering an upper open end of the shield case.
US07749007B1	Micro switch power connector A micro-switch monitored, single-pole connector is disclosed. The micro-switch is mounted to the body of the connector. The micro-switch plunger and the end of an actuating member are enclosed in a sealed chamber, thus protecting these components from debris. The connector may be a panel-mounted model or a cable-to-cable model. A standard type connection, such as a buss bar connection, is provided at the axial end of the connector.
US07749006B2	Locking handle A locking handle for fixing a motherboard of a framework includes a locking part, a shell, an elastic part, and a fixing part. The locking part has an extending portion. The extending portion is projecting from the other side of the main portion. The extending portion has a stopping portion. The shell has an accommodating space inside. The shell is assembled with the extending portion slidingly. A hook and A hole are formed at a side of the shell. The hole is through the accommodating space. A grip is integrally formed at an end of the shell. The elastic part is disposed in the accommodating space. The elastic part is compressed between the fixing part and the stopping portion. The operation is easier. Moreover, the cost of manufacturing is saved.
US07749003B2	Electrical connector A lid member that opens/closes an opening of a receptacle connector has a wiping portion that wipes off adhering moisture by rotating to follow contact disposition surfaces upon insertion of a plug connector. Wiper members for wiping off small quantities of moisture remaining after wiping by the lid member are arranged so as to be movable back and forth in a substantially orthogonal direction to the plug connector insertion direction in front of a groove portion into which a contact portion of the plug connector is fitted. The wiper members are disposed so as to be urged towards the outer circumferential surface of the plug connector by elastic members. When fitting the plug connector, distal-end sides of the wiper members closely contact with the contact disposition surfaces of the plug connector and wipe off residual moisture. Thus, electrolytic corrosion of contacts can be prevented and the contact reliability improved.
US07749000B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector adapted to be mounted to a PCB for electrically connecting with a butting component includes an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals received in the insulating housing. The insulating housing defines a soldering surface and a mating surface contiguous to the soldering surface. The mating surface has a receiving recess for receiving the butting component. The receiving recess has a bottom protruding outwards to form a receiving plate substantially perpendicular to the soldering surface, with a plurality of terminal grooves extending substantially perpendicular to the mating surface formed thereon. Each of the terminals has a contacting portion received in the terminal groove and a soldering portion substantially perpendicular to the contacting portion. The soldering portions are arranged in plural rows and extend outside the soldering surface for being soldered on the PCB.
US07748999B1	Electrical Connector An electrical connector has an insulating housing defining a front wall. The front wall has a mating portion defining a plurality of passageways extending frontward and rearward in a top surface and a bottom surface respectively. A first terminal module has a plurality of first conductive terminals and a first base for restraining the first conductive terminals. The first conductive terminals have contacting portions extended outside the first base and arranged side by side to form one row for being received in the passageways defined in the top surface. A second terminal module disposed under the first terminal module has a plurality of second conductive terminals and a second base for restraining the second conductive terminals. The second conductive terminals have contacting portions extended outside the second base and arranged side by side to form one row for being received in the passageways defined in the bottom surface.
US07748994B1	Board-to-board connector assembly A board-to-board connector assembly includes a receptacle connector and a plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing, a plurality of first terminals and at least one fixing member disposed in the receptacle housing respectively. Each of the first terminals has a crooked first resilient portion and a soldering portion protruded from a free end of the first resilient portion to further project under the receptacle housing. The fixing member has a pair of crooked second resilient portions and two soldering tails each protruded from a free end of the respective second resilient portion to further project under the receptacle housing. The plug connector includes a plug housing mated with the receptacle housing, and a plurality of second terminals disposed in the plug housing and electrically contacting the corresponding first terminals.
US07748987B2	Method and apparatus for performing turnaround testing on a digital signal 1 board A test adaptor for performing turnaround testing on a T1 board that has a plurality of jack receptacles disposed therein. The test adaptor is comprised of a bracket, a plurality of openings, and a plurality of test plugs. The bracket has a length and a width complimentary to the length and the width of an end of a T1 board. The plurality of openings disposed in the bracket are spaced apart from each other by predetermined distances that are complimentary to the spacing between the plurality of jack receptacles disposed in the T1 board. The plurality of test plugs are mounted within the plurality of openings in the bracket such that the plurality of test plugs can be engaged with the plurality of jack receptacles substantially simultaneously and with a single mechanical step.
US07748986B1	End of car junction box assembly An End of Car (EOC) junction box assembly includes a housing wherein a plurality of female/female contact sockets couple with a corresponding plurality of male contact pins and are positioned by a fitting that enables the female/female contact sockets to interface with an EOC receptacle plug also included in the housing body, such that alternate positions of the fitting and EOC receptacle plug are available during assembly while the components included in the housing body are restrained from rotation following assembly.
US07748983B2	Flameless fire extinguisher training methods and apparatus Methods and apparatus for use in fire extinguisher training are provided. These methods and apparatus are implemented electronically without the need for an open flame. The training apparatus includes a display having a plurality of light sources adapted to display a varying light pattern simulating a dynamic flame; a sensor adapted to detect a stimulus emitted by one of a fire extinguisher and a fire extinguisher simulator and output a signal corresponding to the detected stimulus; and one or more processors adapted to receive the output from the sensor and vary the light pattern simulating the dynamic flame on the display in response to the stimulus detected by the sensor. The methods and apparatus may be used to train firefighters in the proper use of a fire extinguisher, for example, training in the techniques typically required when suppressing class A, B, C, D, or K type fires.
US07748982B2	Denture attachment A dental attachment includes a magnet element delivering a magnetic attraction force, a yoke made of a soft magnetic material and having a recess for housing the magnet element, and a disc consisting of the soft magnetic material and joined to the yoke so as to close the opening of the recess with the magnet element housed in the recess. The yoke has an almost disc shape and has collars protruding radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface thereof. The collars are formed to be separated in at least two locations in a substantially peripheral direction, and non-protruding portions having radially outward projection amounts of zero or up to 50% of the maximum projection amount at the collars are provided between respective collars.
US07748980B2	Dispenser for dental compositions The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.
US07748977B2	Igniter An igniter includes an igniter body provided with a liquefied gas reservoir, and a rod-like extension, which extends from the igniter body and has a flame port ejecting gas flame therethrough on its leading end. The base portion of the rod-like extension is supported for rotation with respect to the igniter body so that the angle made between the igniter body and the rod-like extension can be changed to change the direction of the flame port in a free state and locked when the igniting action is to be done.
US07748974B2	Molding machine Molding machines and methods of performing molding processes are described. One embodiment includes a base, a carriage disposed movably on the base, a first mold secured immovably to the carriage, a second mold disposed slidably on the carriage, a driving unit for moving the second mold on the carriage and toward and away from the first mold, a push shaft inserted telescopically into a pressure cylinder and pushing the second mold against the first mold, a synchronous transmission unit for moving said carriage synchronously with the second mold so that the first mold is moved to said second mold, and a pressure booster including a booster tube, and a telescopic booster rod extendable into the booster tube to transfer pressure in the booster tube to the pressure cylinder so as to boost the pressure inside the pressure cylinder.
US07748972B2	Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements designed for the two-way pre-tensioning of concrete or mortar plates, or the like, comprising a molding assembly made up of a flat molding plate (3) delimited on the perimeter by adjustably positioning side walls (4). The assembly rests on an oversized support platform (1)on which the molding assembly is surrounded by a perimeter area (10) of support platform (1) proper, in which perimeter area (10) hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are provided, which are integral to support platform (1) and are arranged in juxtaposition forming opposite facing pairs according to rectilinear alignments forming a grid. Said hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are all connected together serially forming a hydraulic circuit (8) which, in turn, is connected to a hydraulic pressure connection point (9).
US07748967B2	Linear compressor Disclosed herein is a linear compressor in which a piston reciprocally moves in a cylinder upon receiving a reciprocating drive force of a linear motor to compress working-fluid, for example, refrigerant, received in the cylinder. The linear compressor comprises the piston adapted to reciprocally move in the cylinder, the piston being internally formed with a suction path, a suction valve to open or close the suction path of the piston to selectively connect the suction path of the piston to the interior of the cylinder, and a suction valve stopper to limit the degree of opening of the suction valve, whereby no excessive stress is applied to the suction valve. This has the effect of eliminating damage and deformation of the suction valve, minimizing vibration and noise due to the opening/closing operations of the suction valve, and maintaining the compression efficiency of the compressor at a constant value.
US07748965B2	Livewell/baitwell pump featuring rotating transom pickup tube A livewell/baitwell pump for installing in a boat or other suitable vessel or apparatus, the pump comprising a pump cartridge assembly having a cartridge body with one or more flexible cantilever snap tabs and with a discharge hose; a pickup tube having an interior cavity with one or more undercuts and with a pickup tube; and each cantilever snap tab of the cartridge body being releasably coupled to a respective undercut of the pickup tube when the cartridge body is inserted into the interior cavity for permitting rotation of the pickup tube and the cartridge body in relation to one another for quickly and easily coupling the discharge hose and the pickup tube in any direction to corresponding hosing or tubing during installation of the pump in the boat or other suitable vessel or apparatus. The pump further comprises an anti-rotation locking ring that permits the rotation of the pickup tube to a desired orientation in relation to the pump cartridge assembly when the anti-rotation locking ring in a first position, and that prevents rotation of the pickup tube once in the desired direction in relation to the pump cartridge assembly when in a second position.
US07748961B2	Apparatus and methods for handling rotor blades An apparatus is provided for handling rotor blades of wind power installations. An apparatus for simplified handling of rotor blades is afforded by a carrier element and at least one rotor blade receiving structure coupled to the carrier element. A rotor blade is received in the apparatus during a blade fitting procedure. The apparatus may reduce the effect of wind and the effect of mass inertia during the blade fitting procedure.
US07748960B1	Hub to shaft connection A rotary shaft to hub connection, such as that used between a centrifugal compressor or pump and a shaft. The hub includes inner and outer axial extending members that fit within inner and outer annular grooves formed within the rotary shaft so that a tight fit between the shaft and the hub is maintained during high speed rotation. An inwardly extending projection is formed on the outer axial extending member of the hub that forms a tight fit against the shaft.
US07748955B2	Vibration-isolating fixing mechanism for fan frame A vibration-isolating fixing mechanism for a fan frame. The mechanism, configured to couple the fan frame to first fastening portions of a casing, includes: coupling portions protrudingly disposed on two installation surfaces of the fan frame; positioning brackets each having second fastening portions and through-holes; resilient elements each circumferentially disposed between each coupling portion and each through-hole and extending to two through-hole-corresponding sides of each positioning bracket; and coupling elements coupled to the coupling portions respectively, positioned on one side of each resilient element facing away from the fan frame, and configured to position the positioning brackets and the fan frame relative to one another. Axial vibration isolation is achieved by insertion of the coupling portions into the through-holes circumferentially disposed with the resilient elements and by resilient contact between each resilient element and each coupling element.
US07748950B2	Turbofan engine A turbofan engine of the invention is provided with a fan first-stage moving blade for taking an air therein, and a spinner rotationally driving the fan first-stage moving blade, the spinner has a spiral blade extending spirally to an outer side in a radial direction, sucking the air from a front face of the spinner and supplying the air to the fan first-stage moving blade. Further, the fan first-stage moving blade and the spinner are integrally coupled, and the spiral blade and the fan first-stage moving blade are formed such that blade surfaces are smoothly connected.
US07748948B2	Vortex-flow blower device A vortex-flow blower device includes an impeller having a plurality of fins, a blower housing that has a vortex flow chamber for accommodating the impeller and extends from a start point on a side of a the fluid inlet port to an end point on a side of a fluid discharge port along the plurality of fins, a partitioning portion that blocks a communication between the end point and the start point in the vortex flow chamber, and a thermal fuse that is provided in the blower housing. The thermal fuse can be fused by a temperature rise so as to discharge the fluid on the side of the fluid discharge port to an outside, or communicate with the side of the fluid discharge port to the side of the fluid inlet port in the vortex flow chamber when the thermal fuse is fused.
US07748941B2	Punching and binding system and elements thereof An apparatus for punching and binding a stack of papers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a paper clamp and a binding element insertion device that are movable relative to each other. The binding element insertion device is configured to receive and detect binding elements of different sizes. The apparatus also includes a punching mechanism, a controller, and a user interface. The controller controls movement of the paper clamp and the binding element insertion device based on the size of the binding element needed to bind the stack of papers together. The user interface is configured to provide information to a user of the apparatus and to receive input from the user before, during, and after the punching and binding operation.
US07748939B2	Captive fastener with unique engaging and locking mechanism A captive fastener generally comprising a receptacle, a bayonet assembly, and a locking assembly for locking the bayonet assembly to the receptacle. The receptacle extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a pair of parallel extending spiral raceways formed in the inner surface of a central opening that extends therethrough, and a keyway formed adjacent its terminus. The bayonet assembly includes a pair of bayonets that are adapted to ride in the raceways and a key positioned at the end of a plunger and is adapted to engage the keyway thereby locking the bayonet assembly in the receptacle. The locking assembly includes the plunger that when manipulated by a tool either engages or disengages the key from the keyway.
US07748936B2	Bracing arrangement with overload protection A clamping device with overload protection and a process to connect both elements, which are to be connected, whereby the clamping device is fitted with an element to be connected first, an element to be connected second, which is connected to the first element, and a bracing bolt to connect. In order to ensure effective overload protection, the clamping device contains a sleeve, which is connected with the second element to be connected through the bracing bolt, and which runs through the first element to be connected, and a sleeve tensioning device, which is engaged with the sleeve, and which clamps the first element to be connected with the second element to be connected, whereby the bracing bolt is stretched to a predetermined stress level in relation to its elastic limit, whereby the sleeve is released of tension up to a predetermined release level, and a transgression of the operating force, which separates the two elements to be connected, leads—beyond an operating force limit—to a stress release of the sleeve relative to the clamping, by the bracing bolt, and to a breaking of the bracing bolt.
US07748932B2	Soil stabilization and anchorage system This invention relates to a system and method for use in stabilizing different types of soils and/or creating anchorage and more particularly, to a system and method for injecting various types of solidifying material into a subsurface through a drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The drilling apparatus may be removable and reusable used to create a micro or mini pile for soil stabilization, or alternatively it can be left in place to be used in conjunction with grout and similar materials for forming an anchor or load carry pier. A solidifying material swivel, a drive connector and a drilling apparatus, in combination are attached to a power drive unit. In one preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus remains within the soil subsurface, encased in solidifying material. In another preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus is removed leaving a homogenous pile of solidifying material behind.
US07748930B2	Fluid and nutrient delivery system and associated methods A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.
US07748924B2	Connecting device A connection device for connecting two structural components is comprising a retaining member in a first structural component and a fixing member for insertion in a second structural component for connecting engagement with the retaining member thereby holding the two structural components together. The fixing member comprises a plug member having a first end and a second end, the the first end comprising an undercut head for insertion in and retaining engagement with the retaining member. The plug member is comprising a member for engagement with the second structural component.
US07748921B2	Fluid applicator assembly A fluid applicator assembly can include a frame, a first roller connected to the frame, a second roller connected to the frame, a fluid supply tube connected to the frame, a supply line, and a handle bar pivotally connected to the frame. The second roller is connected to the frame in spaced relation from the first roller. The supply tube connects the frame to the first roller and includes a discharge opening. The fluid supply line communicates with the fluid supply tube and an associated paint source. The handle bar is adapted to attach to an associated handle for maneuvering the assembly.
US07748920B2	Multiple tuckpointing tool and method disclosure The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for applying two or more lines of mortar to lines of bricks to tuckpoint the same. The tool and method of the present invention comprises a mortar inlet which can be connected, via suitable length hose, to a mortar pump which can pump mortar under pressure to an inlet. The tool and method includes means for taking the supplied mortar and splitting or dividing it into two or more streams and further includes means for discharging the mortar to means for applying the mortar to the bricks.
US07748917B2	Tape drive and printing apparatus A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US07748916B2	Lens barrel A lens barrel for holding a lens group therein has a body with a peripheral on which an external thread is formed. The external thread has a plurality of turns which are partially interrupted by at least one threadless segment such that the external thread has at least one of the turns completely extending around the periphery of the body. As a result of the threadless segment, the friction which is generated upon screwingly engaging the lens barrel into a coupling socket can be reduced.
US07748915B2	Camera module and method for forming the camera module A camera module having an inner wall installed and a method for forming the camera module are disclosed. The camera module includes a lens; a sensor component for sensing light gathered by the lens; and a fixing module, for fixing the lens. The fixing module includes an inner wall that is installed on the sensing component. The inner wall of the fixing module protects a sensing region of an image sensor from unwanted matter resulting from manufacturing or from the outside environment.
US07748913B2	Fusion splicing structure of optical fibers The present invention is a splicing structure of optical fibers for fusing a double clad fiber and a single clad fiber, the splicing structure is provided with a block covering a fusion splicing point of the double clad fiber and the single clad fiber, and which is made of a highly thermal conductive material.
US07748908B2	Bearing device A bearing device for uniformly distributing lubricating oil between first and second bushing sliding surfaces and a connection pin is provided. The connection pin is inserted into the first bushing that is inserted into a boss member. The second bushings are inserted into a pair of bracket members. An oil storage portion is formed at a middle part of the connection pin, and is communicated to an oil feed channel that feeds lubricating oil from the outside. First sealing members and second sealing members are disposed in the first bushing and the second bushings, respectively. A pair of first channels and a second channel are formed inside the connection pin. The first channels are opened in locations in proximity to the first sealing members. The second channel is communicated to this first channel and the oil storage chamber.
US07748906B2	Engaging device of linear sliding rail An engaging device of a linear sliding rail includes a sliding rail and a sliding block. The sliding block comprises a sliding base body, a supporting body and two connecting bodies. The front and rear ends of the sliding base body have a positioning plate respectively. The two locking pieces each comprises hooks. The hook locks the two connecting bodies at the front and rear ends of the sliding base body. The hook abuts against one end of the abutting piece. The other end of the abutting piece abuts against front and rear end faces of the supporting body respectively. Via this arrangement, when the locking piece locks the two connecting bodies at both ends of the sliding base body, it also generating a pre-pressure to press the supporting body, thereby assembling the supporting body and the two connecting bodies on the sliding base body tightly and firmly.
US07748904B2	Multicompartment evacuable storage bag Storage bags having two or more evacuable reclosable compartments. Each compartment can be opened (to allow an article or goods to be placed inside), hermetically sealed, and then evacuated without disturbing the vacuum in the other compartment(s). Each compartment has a respective zipper that provides a hermetic seal and a respective valve through which air is exhausted from the compartment interior.
US07748903B2	Flexible container with incorporated guide member A container for transferring a product with crossed protection, having a flexible portion connected to an opening provided with a flange in which is mounted a door that is mobile between a closed position and at least one open position, is characterized in that it includes a guide member 15 adapted to cause an internal portion of the wall of the flexible portion to project through the flange 11A or to retract that portion inside the container. A container of this kind is used to transfer a powder, a granular material or small objects, in particular, from the bottom of the container or from another container.
US07748900B2	X-ray system with an industrial robot There is described an x-ray system with an x-ray source, an x-ray detector and at least one industrial robot having at least three, in particular six, axes of rotation, in which the x-ray source and/or the x-ray detector are/is arranged, directly or by means of a bearer, on the industrial robot, and where the industrial robot is constructed to be mobile, in particular is arranged on a device trolley.
US07748898B2	Temperature sensor and method of producing the temperature sensor In a temperature sensor having a temperature sensitive element, a sheath pin connected to the temperature sensitive element, and a cover case. The cover case, filled with a filler, accommodates the temperature sensitive element and the sheath pin. A hardening temperature of the filler is not less than an actual usage environment of the temperature sensor. Another temperature sensor has a temperature sensitive element exposed at a high temperature of not less than 750° C., a thermistor element, a sheath pin, an anti-vibration filler, and a metal cover case fixed to an end part of the sheath pin. The metal cover case accommodates the sheath pin and the thermistor element. The filler is made of a porous insulation material having a pore ratio within a range of 30 to 70% and filled around the thermistor element in the metal cover case.
US07748897B2	Method for monitoring a temperature-dependent resistor, particularly in a clothes dryer A method for monitoring the proper functioning of a temperature-dependent resistor, particularly a NTC resistor, for measuring the temperature of a medium heated by a heat source. Said medium is preferably the air flow in a clothes dryer for drying clothes. In order to increase the safety of a device, in particular a clothes dryer, where the temperature-dependent resistor is used in combination with a heat source, it is checked, once the heat source is switched on, whether the temperature measured by the resistor after a first predetermined period of time following the switching on of the heat source falls below a predetermined temperature threshold value. If this is the case, monitoring of a resistor-temperature curve characteristic of the temperature-dependent resistor is carried out.
US07748891B2	Liquid storage tank with draft tube mixing system A drinking water distribution reservoir has a new draft tube mixing arrangement. An intermediate opening in the draft tube enables water to flow between the central passage of the draft tube and an intermediate portion of the tank. Directional walls can provided on the intermediate opening to help direct flow, and a check valve can be used to prevent flow from the intermediate section of the tank into the draft tube or prevent flow from the draft tube into the intermediate section of the tank. A venturi portion can also be provided on the draft tube to help draw water from the intermediate portion of the tank into the draft tube.
US07748889B2	Culinary utensil There is provided a combination pastry blender and culinary whisk, comprising a handle portion at one end and a connecting region connecting the handle portion and a mixing region generally in the shape of an inverted dome, wherein the mixing region is principally formed of a wire bent to form a plurality of wires arranged adjacent to each other and defining a generally convex surface for pastry blending, the bent wire being stiff enough to withstand the stress and pressure whereby in a pastry blending operation the mixing region maintains the inverted dome shape, and the bent wire also being relatively thick to be able to press onto a pasty for blending thereof but without cutting therethrough.
US07748887B2	Positive locking light fixture with faceplate An assembly has a faceplate having inwardly extending pins and a housing having holes for receiving said inwardly extending pins. Vibration resistant means is provided for locking the faceplate to the housing.
US07748885B2	Liquid crystal display apparatus and lighting unit The present invention discloses a lighting unit comprising: a reflector panel; a plurality of substantially U-shaped cold cathode tubes held parallel relative to the reflector panel; an inverter substrate; cold cathode tube holders for holding the cold cathode tubes parallel relative to the reflector panel in such a manner that terminals of the cold cathode tubes are arranged in a row along one side of the reflector panel; a substrate holder for holding the inverter substrate to be vertically relative to the reflector panel in such a manner that a lower side of the inverter substrate reaches a positions where the terminals are arranged in a row; a plurality of notches upwardly cut deep from the lower side of the inverter substrate so as to receive the terminals; and solders provided for making electrical connections between the terminals and electrical supply patterns formed in the notches.
US07748880B2	Vehicle lamp with overhead sign illumination A vehicle lamp with a projection lens; a light source; a shade, which forms a cutoff line; a reflector, which reflects a light from the light source toward the projection lens such that the light passes near an upper end portion of the shade so as to irradiate a forward direction along an optical axis with the light emitted from the projection lens; an overhead sign reflecting surface, which is provided near an upper end edge of the reflector and reflects the light from the light source; and an overhead sign light receiving surface, which is provided near the upper end portion of the shade and reflects the light from the reflecting surface toward the projection lens so as to irradiate upward irradiation light from the projection lens. The overhead sign reflecting surface includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces, which emit reflected light of different patterns.
US07748876B2	LED lamp with a heat sink assembly An LED lamp includes a hollow first heat sink (10), a plurality of LED modules (40) respectively mounted on outer sidewalls (120) of the first heat sink, a second heat sink (20) being enclosed by the first heat sink, and a plurality of heat pipes (30) connecting the second heat sink to the first heat sink. The second heat sink includes an annular base (22) and a plurality of fins (24, 240) extending outwardly and radially from an outer sidewall of the base. The heat pipes couple the base of the second heat sink with the first heat sink, so that heat generated by the LED modules can be transferred from the first heat sink to the second heat sink via the heat pipes, thereby enhancing a heat dissipating efficiency of the LED lamp.
US07748875B2	Photographic light diffuser A photographic light diffusing device is provided. A flexible, transparent cowl is adapted to be mounted on a photographic light source, the cowl including a plurality of ribs and an opening through which the photographic light source is visible when the cowl is mounted on the photographic light source. The cowl elastically deforms to fit onto the photographic light source. A removable, flexible cover is placed over the opening of the cowl.
US07748873B2	Side illumination lens and luminescent device using the same The present invention relates to a side illumination lens and a luminescent device using the same, and provides a body, a total reflection surface with a total reflection slope with respect to a central axis of the body, and a linear and/or curved refractive surface(s) formed to extend from a periphery of the total reflection surface; and a luminescent device including the lens. According to the present invention, a lens with total internal reflection surfaces with different slopes, and a linear and/or curved refractive surface(s) allows light emitted forward from a luminescent chip to be guided to a side of the lens. Further, a linear surface(s) formed in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a central axis of a lens and a curved surface are formed on an edge of the lens so that a process of fabricating the lens is facilitated, thereby reducing a defective rate and fabrication costs of the lens.
US07748870B2	LED lamp bulb structure A LED lamp bulb structure is disclosed, wherein a lamp controller is installed inside a lamp head and the bottom surface thereof is fixed by an upper cover. At the bottom surface of the upper cover, a heat dispersing fin set, which has at least a heat conducting tube installed therein, and a lower cover are fixed therein. Furthermore, a bulb housing, which has a tray mounted therein, is screwed around the peripheral edge of the lower cover, and at the bottom of the tray, plural LED lamp sets corresponding to plural heat conducting tubes are outwardly extended. Therefore, the heat produced by the LED lamp set can have a heat exchange through plural heat conducting tubes and heat dispersing fin set for achieving a better heat dispersing efficiency and for more effectively dispersing the heat.
US07748868B2	Recessed luminaire In an embodiment, a luminaire may include a housing that includes a support panel, a rotation ring supported by the support panel where the rotation ring is infinitely adjustable with a range of adjustments with respect to the support panel, a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the rotation ring with respect to the support panel, an aiming frame supported by the rotation ring, a tray system pivotally mounted to the aiming frame and configured to receive the bulb, and a tray drive configured to rotate the tray system about the pivotal mounting, whereby, in operation the rotational and angular orientation of the bulb may be adjusted while the bulb is on.
US07748862B2	Liquid crystal display apparatus A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide plate, a bottom chassis, a liquid crystal display panel disposed on the light guide plate to display an image, a flexible printed circuit board connected to the liquid crystal display panel and outwardly bent toward a rear surface of the bottom chassis to be fixed to the rear surface, and at least one point light source disposed at an adjacent position to an incident surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes an inclined portion from a lower side of the light guide plate toward an upper side of the light guide plate. Advantageously, the liquid crystal display apparatus may prevent the occurrence of the step-difference between the point light source and the light guide plate, thereby improving light efficiency and brightness.
US07748860B2	Identification device for visually identifying cables or ducts over their entire length The identification device comprises at least one electroluminescent wire that extends along the cable or duct to be identified. The electroluminescent wire is designed to be electrically supplied in a temporary manner, so as to display the path of the cable or duct. This device is applicable to the identification of electrical cables, or pneumatic and hydraulic ducts, or fibre-optic cables or cords.
US07748856B2	Exterior mirror element with integral wide angle portion A mirror reflective element for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror substrate having a front surface and a rear surface. The mirror substrate has a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion, with the first reflector portion having a principal reflector portion of the mirror reflective element. The rear surface of the mirror substrate has a curved recess established thereat, and the second curved reflector portion is established at the curved recess. The curved recess has a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the first reflector portion, whereby the curved recess, when coated by a reflector coating, provides a wide angle auxiliary reflector portion integrally formed with the mirror reflective element.
US07748855B2	Image projection apparatus A projector includes a plane mirror that is disposed at one end side of an end portion of a screen and a projection optical system that is disposed at a position that is separated from a reflection surface side of the plane mirror. A light shielding plate is provided to at least one of two positions; one is between a fourth mirror and the plane mirror of the projection optical system, and the other is between the plane mirror and the screen.
US07748851B2	Optical system The invention relates to an optical system adapted to project a cylindrical, spherical, conical or other three-dimensional display surface onto every direction in the distance or receive images from every direction at such a three-dimensional imaging surface. The optical system is adapted to project a three-dimensional object surface 3 onto a full circle in the distance, and comprises at least one rotationally symmetric reflective surface 2.
US07748844B2	High visual acuity contact lenses A contact lens providing high visual acuity with the comfort of a soft lens includes a thin layer of hard lens material at the front surface of the contact lens; and a second soft lens material layer at the posterior portion of the lens. The soft lens provides a contact area substantially in contact with the central region of the cornea. The first layer is bonded on top of the second layer directly or through a third elastic material layer. Manufacturing methods overcome problems of swelling of the soft lens component during hydration.
US07748842B2	Rim of spectacle The present invention provides a rim which can increase a lens holding capacity by a simple structure and can apply a new decoration to a spectacle. In a rim (1) of a spectacle in which a fitting groove (3) is formed in such a manner as to be fitted to a fitting portion (5a) formed so as to protrude to a side surface of a lens (5) and hold the lens (5), a concave groove (4) is formed in a bottom portion of the fitting groove (3) along a top portion (5b) of the fitting portion (5a). A absorbing material may be filled in the concave groove (4) or a paint may be filled in or applied to the concave groove (4).
US07748840B2	Methods and apparatus for handheld printing with optical positioning Methods and apparatus include a handheld printer manipulated by an operator to print an image on a media. A controller correlates a location of a printhead to the image and causes printing or not. A position sensor provides input to the controller. Its signal typifies pixels in a matrix frame indicating a current position frame and, over time, a previous position frame. The controller compares the two frames to find a presence of the previous in the current. To improve computational efficiency, the controller reduces a relative size of both frames before comparing. Specific reduction techniques contemplate converting a matrix frame of pixels indicative of previous and current locations into smaller matrices, including one-dimensional forms. Possible search areas within the current frame to look for the previous frame utilize knowledge about the movement history of the printer. Position sensor signal validity and controller architectures are other noteworthy features.
US07748838B2	Inkjet drawing method and inkjet drawing device The inkjet drawing device and method form an image on an image recording medium relatively transported in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to a main scanning direction by using photocurable ink with an inkjet head moving in the main scanning direction. The device and method cause the inkjet head to eject the photocurable ink as an ink droplet imagewise to perform direct drawing, irradiate an upper portion of the image recording medium with active light from a stationary, point or substantially point active light source by using a scanning mirror that scans and moves in the main scanning direction at a backward position distant from a position subjected to the drawing by the inkjet head by a predetermined distance toward a sub-scanning transport downstream side of the image recording medium and cure the photocurable ink ejected onto the image recording medium imagewise to form the image.
US07748834B2	Ink cartridge and recording apparatus An ink cartridge has a flexible ink bag accommodated in a casing. A plate fixed to the ink bag moves together with deflation of the ink bag as the ink is consumed. A pin attached to the plate slides in a groove formed in a lever pivotally connected to the casing. A reflecting plate inside the casing reflects detection light projected from the outside through an opening in the casing to indicate that ink remains in the ink bag. As the ink nears complete consumption, the lever pivots to a position blocking the detection light from the reflecting plate thereby indicating that the ink has been used up.
US07748833B2	Ink distribution structure with a laminated ink supply stack for an inkjet printer The invention relates to an ink distribution structure for an inkjet printer. The distribution structure has a laminated stack for supplying ink to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The stack includes five distinct layers. A first layer has an even number of discrete ink holes per printhead integrated circuit, each group of discrete ink holes arranged in a rectangular array with four aligned rows of ink holes parallel to a respective integrated circuit. The first layer has underside recesses each for discretely communicating with one of the ink holes of the two center-most rows of four holes. A second layer has a pair of slots each for receiving ink from one of the underside recesses of the first layer, the second layer also having ink holes which are aligned with the outer two groups of ink holes of the first layer. A third layer has an even number of ink holes corresponding with each integrated circuit, the outermost of these holes aligned with outermost holes of the first and second layers. A fourth layer has an array of integrated circuit slots each for receiving an upper portion of a respective integrated circuit, and a fifth layer has an array of integrated circuit slots each for receiving the integrated circuit and a nozzle guard assembly.
US07748832B2	Printing apparatuses and related apparatuses and methods Apparatuses and methods that utilize material-handling systems in which material in the systems has enhanced stability, e.g., during conveyance of the material from a reservoir to a printhead through a conduit, the conduit having a conduit wall defining an inner conduit space and including a material line for carrying the printing material in the inner conduit space, wherein the inner conduit space is configured to carry a heated liquid, being heated from a liquid heater, to contact the material line.
US07748828B2	Printer print engine with cradled cartridge unit A print engine is provided for a printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit received within the cradle unit in a releasable manner. The print engine further includes print media transport means which can transport print media. The cartridge unit includes a body. An ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules and is configured to be received in the body from one side. A printhead assembly is configured to be mounted to the body at an opposite side and is configured to print upon the transported print media.
US07748826B2	Printing head and ink jet printing apparatus A printing head, having symmetrically-arranged ejection openings, can suppress deterioration in image quality as caused by manufacturing errors or problems in mounting accuracy thereof. Specifically, in the case the printing head inclines, for example, by 0.5 degrees at a line connecting corresponding ejection openings of ejection opening arrays relative to the scanning direction, deviations occur in the dots formed through one of the ejection opening arrays with reference to the dots formed through another ejection opening array. However, the deviations can be minimized by arranging adjacently small-ejection opening arrays for cyan and magenta with a spacing reduced between those ejection opening arrays.
US07748818B2	Inkjet printhead with electrical disconnection of printhead prior to removal A maintenance assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly operatively mounted between posts of a main body of the printer so that the maintenance assembly is positioned adjacent a printhead assembly of the printer. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis defining tongue portions and having ends which are shaped to fit over the posts of the main body to secure the maintenance assembly in position. The maintenance assembly also includes a retainer element operatively engaging the chassis, and a lower molding and an upper molding operatively fast with each other to sandwich an absorbent insert between them. The moldings are in turn sandwiched between the chassis and retainer element, so that the maintenance assembly is useable to wipe the printhead of the printer.
US07748812B2	Liquid jet apparatus and driving method for liquid jet apparatus A liquid jet apparatus according to the present invention includes a drive waveform generator adapted to generate a drive waveform signal, a modulator adapted to execute pulse modulation on the drive waveform signal, a digital power amplifier adapted to power-amplify the modulated signal, on which the pulse modulation is executed by the modulator, with a pair of switching elements push-pull coupled with each other, a low pass filter adapted to smooth the amplified digital signal obtained by the power-amplification of the digital power amplifier, and a modulation period adjustment circuit adapted to adjust a modulation period of the pulse modulation of the modulator in accordance with a reset signal forming a basis of timing for driving an actuator.
US07748809B2	Printing apparatus and printing method In the ink-jet printing apparatus, the influence of displacements of printing positions caused by the excessive conveyance of a printing medium to the resultant image when the rear end of the printing medium exits from a nip portion between the roller pair in a conveying mechanism. More specifically, in the printing operation for the rear end portion of the printing medium in which the printing medium exits from the roller pair, the guide shaft for supporting the carriage is lifted at a position wherein a head-medium distance is changed to widen a distance between the printing had and the printing medium (S402). Thereby, the displacement of the landing position caused by the excessive conveyance of the printing medium is inconspicuous because of the variations of the landing positions due to the widening of the head-medium distance.
US07748806B2	Encapsulated sliding shelf and over-molded frame A shelf arrangement is provided which includes a support surface, a frame, and an electrical control interface positioned and accessible at a front of the shelf arrangement, the control interface arranged to transmit a control signal to a location remote from the shelf arrangement. The frame may include a pair of laterally spaced apart front-to-rear brackets supporting the support surface. The support surface may be a part of a shelf member. A pair of rods may extend laterally between the brackets. The frame may be at least partially overmolded with plastic.
US07748799B2	Drive device for a movably mounted furniture part The invention relates to a drive device for a furniture part that is displaceably mounted in relation to a furniture body, in particular for a drawer or similar. The device includes an energy accumulator device, which supports the displacement of the furniture part. According to the invention, the displaceable furniture part can be essentially displaced into a fully open position by the energy accumulator device, thus partially discharging the energy accumulator device. The energy accumulator device is then re-charged during the closing operation of the displaceable furniture part. The energy accumulator device only acts on part of the displacement path of the furniture part.
US07748794B2	Braking force control method for automotive vehicle and braking force control apparatus therefor In braking force control method for an automotive vehicle and braking force control apparatus therefor, contribution degrees of both of a stroke quantity of a brake input device and a master cylinder pressure developed in a master cylinder are set in accordance with at least one of the stroke quantity of the brake input device and the master cylinder pressure and the contribution degree of the master cylinder pressure on a calculation of a target braking force is set to become larger when an abrupt brake operation by a vehicle driver is detected (a control flag F is set to “1”) than the contribution degree of the master cylinder pressure when no abrupt brake operation by the vehicle driver is detected (control flag F is reset to “0”).
US07748792B2	Automotive braking system with master cylinder force simulator A brake-by-wire automotive braking system includes a master cylinder connected to a number of wheel cylinders, with the master cylinder being actuated by a brake pedal assembly operatively connected with a master cylinder force simulator simulating the resistive force/displacement characteristics of the master cylinder itself. An electronically controlled compliance device selectively immobilizes the master cylinder force simulator so that the resistive force provided by the simulator may be applied selectively to the brake pedal. This produces a transparency in the brake pedal's operational feel, notwithstanding the presence or absence of force provided by the master cylinder force simulator.
US07748789B2	Pavement profiler A pavement profiler having a grinding element within an enclosure for smoothing an existing road surface includes a transporter having a frame supported on a set of wheels with the enclosure situated between the forward and rearward wheels of the transporter. Positioning mechanisms coupled between the transporter frame and the grinding element enclosure positions the grinding element relative to the pavement surface. The positioning mechanisms includes a front support and a front lift mechanism, and a rear support and a rear lift mechanism. The rear support has vertically extending tracks fixed to the transport frame, and vertically extending rails movable relative to the tracks, the rails being coupled to the rear lift mechanism. Forwardly projecting flanges fixed to the rails have a pivot defining element. Rearwardly projecting flanges from the enclosure are coupled to the pivot defining element to permit the enclosure to pitch relative to the transport frame. A slot is provided in one of flanges receiving a pin from an adjacent flange so that the slot and pin limit the range of pitching motion of the grinding element enclosure.
US07748788B2	Child seat, ventilation portion structure of article and cover of article comprising the ventilation portion structure, and article for child In a child seat which has a seat portion and a back portion and in which the back portion provided with a shoulder belt guide for guiding a shoulder belt of a seat belt of a vehicle from the shoulder to the chest of a sitter, the child seat is provided with a belt guide position adjusting mechanism for changing the position of the shoulder belt guide in the left and right directions of the back portion.
US07748786B1	Footrest A footrest is described, having a platform, a side rail and a plurality of surfaces for supporting one's feet.
US07748779B2	Energy-absorbing device for a vehicle seat A vehicle seat has an energy-absorbing device connected to a transverse support member of the seat frame. The device has a plurality of rib members configured to plastically deform in response to an impact between an object and the device, thereby absorbing energy from the object. The device has a shell portion with a pair of intersecting side walls having a generally U-shaped profile defining a recess, and the rib members are connected to each of the side walls within the recess. The shell portion is one piece, and the shell portion and rib members are formed of molded plastic. Each rib member is equally spaced within the recess.
US07748774B2	Vehicle body structure Provided is an automotive vehicle body structure which is light weight but demonstrates improved mechanical strength during a frontal or side collision. A pair of front side frames extend in a fore-and-aft direction in a mutually spaced relationship in a front part of a vehicle body, and a pair of floor frames having forward ends joined to rear ends of the corresponding front side frames, respectively, extend in the fore-and-aft direction. A first middle cross member is joined to intermediate parts of the floor frames and to lateral ends of side sills. A front cross member is joined to a front side of the first middle cross member, has a pair of lateral ends that are joined to inboard sides of the corresponding front side frames, and is arch shaped such that a fore-and-aft dimension of the front cross member diminishes from each side end toward a middle part.
US07748772B2	Resilient aerodynamic trailer skirts A resilient aerodynamic skirt assembly is provided, the aerodynamic skirt assembly comprising a skirt panel adapted to connect to a trailer to route airflow along the trailer, skirt supports adapted to connect the skirt to a trailer are also provided with a plurality of resilient struts providing lateral support to the skirt panel, the resilient struts allowing substantial lateral deflection of the skirt panel away from an aerodynamic configuration. A method of assembling an aerodynamic skirt assembly and an aerodynamic skirt kit are also provided.
US07748769B2	Armrest subassembly for a motor vehicle The invention relates to an armrest subassembly for a motor vehicle which is designed and provided for arrangement on the interior side of a motor vehicle body. The armrest subassembly comprising an armrest, an adjusting device, a locking device and armrest-side locking means of the locking device. According to the invention, the armrest-side locking means are coupled to the armrest in such a manner that the locking means can be brought into engagement with and can be disengaged from the locking mechanism by a movement of the armrest with a component perpendicular to the adjustment path.
US07748763B2	Slide out for a vehicle and a vehicle including the slide out A sliding arrangement (31) for supporting a slide out body member of a slide out on a vehicle body in a way that permits the slide out body member to slide relative to the vehicle body between an expanded and a retracted position. The sliding arrangement (31) includes at least one female member (32) mounted on one of the slide out body member and the vehicle body, the female member (32) having an internal surface defining a passage open at one end. The sliding arrangement (31) further includes a male member (30) slidably received within the open end and passage of the female member (32).
US07748762B2	Vehicle console assembly A console and armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a console base defining a first storage area and a first storage opening for providing access to the first storage area. A first intermediate member is configured to selectively close the first storage area opening. The first intermediate member defines a second storage area in a second storage area opening for providing access to the second storage area. A second intermediate member is configured to selectively close the second storage area opening. The second intermediate member defines a third storage area and a third storage area opening for providing access to the third storage area. An armrest cover is configured to selectively close the third storage area opening.
US07748755B2	Couplings for water fed poles A coupling for joining a first pole section and a second pole section is provided. The coupling includes a male portion secured to the first pole section and a female portion secured to the second pole section. The male portion has a first male guide, a second male guide, and a first threaded section between the first and second male guides. The female portion has a first female guide, a second female guide, and a second threaded section between the first and second female guides. The guides are spaced from one another and from the first and second threaded sections so that the first male and female guides are engaged with one another and the second male and female guides are engaged with one another before the threaded sections engage with one another.
US07748753B2	Pipes coupling with integrated grip A band coupling for straight line interconnection of flangeless pipes and a built in pipe grip mechanism to resist axial separation forces is provided. The band-clamp coupling comprises an outer housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the walls thereof facing the center of the pipes, and a low-wall inner channel fitting into the outer channel. The inner channel being provided with spaced-apart inwardly-facing projection adjacent to each of the inner channel walls, each projection having a first sloping side axially facing the line of pipe abutment and a second sloping side axially facing away from the line of pipe abutment. A sloped internally-toothed grip washer is disposed along each of the projection second sides; and a seal member is disposed inside the inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both the first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment.
US07748747B2	Individualized security document The invention concerns an individualized security document (1) and a method of individualizing a security document. The individualized security document (1) has a number of pages (12 to 15) which are connected together by means of stitching or adhesive. In addition integrated into the security document by means of stitching and adhesive is a single-layer or multi-layer film body (2) which is provided with an individualized optical security element and which is folded in the region of the stitching or adhesive. The fold divides the film body (2) into a first part (21) on which the individualized optical security element is arranged and a second, preferably flap-shaped part (22) which is permanently connected to a plastic body having at least one machine-readable security element, wherein the at least one machine-readable security element has an electronic circuit for RF identification.
US07748738B2	Airbag cushion with adaptive diffuser for out-of-position conditions An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a diffuser tethered to the membrane of the cushion. The airbag cushion partially expands when an obstruction is encountered and fully expands when no obstruction is encountered. The tethered diffuser is controlled by expansion of the cushion. This permits the cushion to vary the amount of gas vented from the cushion to adjust for out-of-position conditions and normal restraint conditions.
US07748737B2	Variable output inflator A method of inflating an airbag with a fluid includes sending a signal to open a first valve and opening the first valve. The method also includes directing a control pressure through the first valve and toward a second valve. The method further includes throttling the second valve in response to the control pressure. The throttling of the second valve produces a variable inflation mass flow rate of the fluid at a second valve outlet. Opening the first valve and closing the first valve are performed as a step function to achieve a desired predetermined variable inflation mass flow rate of the airbag.
US07748730B2	Airbag system Deployment performance of an airbag may be improved by improving an air tightness of an leg airbag system that includes a knee airbag for restraining occupant's legs and a gas generator that generates a jet of gas to inflate the knee airbag. An end of the gas generator is connected to a gas generator ignition control cable and passes through an insertion opening. The insertion opening has an area smaller than a cross section area of the end of the gas generator.
US07748725B2	Reinforced skateboard deck A skateboard deck is provided with a first lower layer and an upper layer coupled to an upper surface of the first lower layer. The upper layer includes a top surface provided in part by a fiber-reinforced layer and in part a side barrier. The skateboard deck may further include one or more additional lower layers affixed beneath the first lower layer. The fiber-reinforced layer may be inlaid within the side barrier, which may be an outer portion of a wood veneer or thermoplastic sheet. The fiber-reinforced layer may be formed substantially of woven para-aramid fibers encased in an adhesive matrix.
US07748722B2	Flexible foot-board for jumping devices A footboard for play, exercise and practice of aerial maneuvers and recreational moves on a jumping device. The footboard is preferably flexible in a variety of directions, but has sufficient firmness so as to allow the board to retain a desired shape. The footboard is attached to the user's feet by a strap system, which holds the user's feet within recesses in the board itself. The footboard is preferably waterproof or water resistant for use on water trampolines, in lakes and swimming pools. Handgrips may be provided at one or more locations of the footboard, which, combined with the flexibility of the board, enhance the moves and style of the practicing foot boarder.
US07748719B2	Drill chuck A chuck with a generally cylindrical body having a tail section configured to receive a drive shaft of a driver and a nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A plurality of jaws is movably disposed with respect to the body. A nut is rotatably mounted about the body and operatively engages the jaws. A sleeve is non-rotatably coupled to the nut. A shield cap is rotatably secured about the nose section of the body. The chuck also includes a first ring and a second ring that rotates relative to the nut over a limited arc. One of the first ring and the second ring defines a ratchet and the other defines at least one deflectable tab that is biased toward and engages the ratchet.
US07748718B2	Expanable mandrel An expandable mandrel for holding a part has a shank with inclined radial slots slidably engaged by keys. The keys are coordinated by a collar which engages an extension on each key. A platen affixes to the shank of the mandrel to provide a stop that will index the position of a part mounted onto the mandrel. The platen has radial key passages to allow longitudinal movement of the keys in the slots. The platen preferably has resilient indexing nubs to engage the part. Preferably, the position of the platen on the mandrel can be adjusted by a set screw engaging one of several indexing holes or engaging a longitudinal guide track. For machining in a wet environment, the slots can be provided with longitudinal rails and the keys provided with transverse channels to remove liquid from between the keys and the slots.
US07748716B2	Flat gasket, in particular, cylinder head gasket Flat gasket with a gasket plate comprising at least one sheet metal layer, at least one fluid through-opening to be sealed, and a plurality of screw through-openings, the sheet metal layer having at least one supporting element for receiving pressing forces, and the supporting element being in the form of a bead stamped into the sheet metal layer; in order to improve the durability of the supporting bead while in operation, the bead is designed so as to form with its bead crest, in a plan view of the sheet metal layer, an endless continuous line closed within itself, so that the bead does not have any free bead ends.
US07748712B2	Tactile scratch media apparatus and method A tactile scratch media apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a scratch media having a tactile data pattern to provide information to a user and a scratch region on the scratch media having a plurality of layers that conceal the tactile data pattern. The tactile data pattern may include a raised tactile data and/or an indented tactile data. The raised tactile data and the indented tactile data may be a braille character, an alphanumerical character and/or a tangible data. The surface edge of the raised tactile data and/or the indented tactile data of the tactile data pattern may be curved. The tactile data pattern may be arranged according to an overlapping pattern arrangement and/or a non-overlapping pattern arrangement. The arrangement of the overlapping pattern arrangement and the non-overlapping pattern arrangement may be based on a combination of a print data and the raised tactile data and/or the indented tactile data.
US07748710B2	Sheet-conveying device A sheet-conveying device conveys a recording medium to a sheet support surface positioned downstream of the sheet-conveying device in a sheet-conveying direction when recording an image with an image-recording unit. A drive roller and a follower roller define a nip line therebetween. The nip line is positioned above the sheet support surface. A first support member rotatably supports the follower roller. A moving unit moves the first support member from a first position to a second position upstream of the first position in the paper-conveying direction immediately after a trailing edge of the recording medium leaves the sheet-conveying unit.
US07748706B2	Image forming device An image-forming device includes an extension tray and an engaging unit. The cover member is capable of opening and closing thereon. The extension tray is rotatably attached to an upper part of the cover member. The engaging unit engages the cover member with the main casing when the cover member is closed. The engaging unit includes an engagement part, an engaging part, and an operating part. The operating part disengages the engaging part from the engagement part when operated. The operating part is capable of being operated when the extension tray is closed.
US07748700B2	Sheet feeding device with governing, elevating, and restraining tilting-tray parts Sheet feeding device including: a tray unit having a feeding tray for supporting a loaded-on document's trailing end, and a tilting tray for supporting its leading end; a feeding unit that feeds loaded-on documents from off the feeding and tilting trays; and an elevating mechanism that raises/lowers the tilting tray between the positions where documents are set onto and fed from it. The tilting tray is elevated by a lever that comes out of an opening in a feeding-unit cover, in which state the tray unit, which is pivotable with respect to the sheet feeding unit, is kept from pivoting. Otherwise, when the tray unit is pivoted upward from or returned to the load-on document position, tilting-tray movement, in conjunction with the pivoting action, with respect to the feeding tray is restrained.
US07748696B2	Sheet feeder with feed belts and traction belt A sheet feeder (1) having a stack hopper (9) for holding a stack of sheets (8), and feed belts (5, 6, 7) for advancing the bottom-most sheet from the stack, has traction belts (110, 111, 112) between the feed belts. The traction belts extend around a shaft (25) beneath the hopper and around a shaft (27) positioned intermediate the reach of the feed belts, a short distance short of separators (30, 31). The traction belts are preferably thicker than the feed belts and textured on their outer surface.
US07748687B2	Dispersing fragrances A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
US07748686B1	Railing ball A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have continuous circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball knobs to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball knobs.
US07748685B2	Winch assembly A winch assembly (10) comprises a winch drum (18) rotatable about a first axis and carrying a spoolable medium, such as wireline (14) for use in deploying and retrieving tooling into and from a well bore. A carriage sheave (30) mounted on a drive screw (34) is positioned adjacent the winch drum (18), wherein the drive screw (34) is rotatable about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. In use, the carriage sheave (30) engages the spoolable medium and is translated by the drive screw (34) in reverse directions to follow the fleeting motion of the spoolable medium as the medium is paid out and/or in from the winch drum (18). In a disclosed embodiment, the winch drum (18) is mounted vertically on a tubular body (22), through which tubular body (22) the spoolable medium extends into the well bore. In one embodiment the winch assembly (10) forms part of a subsea well intervention system.
US07748683B1	Electrically controlled proportional valve An electrically controlled proportional valve provides for precise control of armature movement using an armature which is positioned at the center of the valve by centering leaf springs. The armature is supported and biased axially by angled leaf springs that support the armature in an orbital fashion. These angled orbital leaf springs support the armature for elastic movement in the axial direction, and hold it biased against a first port, so that the armature functions as a valve element, which normally closes that port. A magnet coil is positioned so that when an electrical current passes through the coil, it exerts a force on the armature which overcomes the bias of the orbital leaf springs and draws the armature away from the first port and toward the magnet coil.
US07748679B2	Container securing device A container securing device includes a housing portion, with a cylindrical shape, the top of which is open, and which is intended to house a beverage container. A flap is positioned within a hole that is formed within a surrounding wall of the housing portion, and is installed so as to be capable of moving either out of the housing portion, or into the housing portion, in response to the container being inserted into, or extracted from, the housing portion. An impelling (biasing) component forces the flap toward the interior direction of the housing unit. The flap is capable of moving to a location that secures the container when the container is fully housed within the housing portion.
US07748678B2	Beverage container holder A beverage container is provided for mounting to vehicles such as power boats, sailboats and recreational vehicles. The beverage container holder is adapted for mounting to support platforms on the vehicle which may be any suitable vehicle structure such as the armrest of a chair. The beverage container holder comprises a mounting ring which is first rigidly affixed to the support platform, and further comprises a cylindrical can having an upper circumferential rim which fits over the mounting ring and includes detents that positively lock the rim onto the mounting ring.
US07748677B2	Resiliently flexible hanger system A compressed gas cylinder hanger having resiliently flexible engagement with the neck of the compressed gas cylinder to fix or resist rotation of the compressed gas cylinder hanger about neck.
US07748675B2	Apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track is described. The apparatus comprises a track mount and at least two utility tracks coupled with and parallel to the track mount. In a specific example, each utility track comprises a first opening parallel to the track mount and a second opening orthogonal to the track mount.
US07748673B2	Hook for supporting shower curtain and shower curtain liner and method for fabricating same A hook is provided for simultaneously supporting a shower curtain and a shower curtain liner in side by side spaced, parallel relation on a shower curtain rod. The shower curtain and the shower curtain liner each have an opening therein proximate the top edge thereof. The hook includes a portion for engaging the rod. First and second spaced support portions, each of which is connected to the rod engaging portion, are provided. Each of the support portions includes a generally “U” shaped portion defined in part by an upstanding member. The upstanding member of the first support portion is adapted to be received through the opening in the shower curtain to retain the shower curtain. The upstanding member of the second support portion is adapted to be received through the opening in the shower curtain liner to retain the shower curtain liner. The hook is fabricated from a single continuous wire section by making a series of bends therein.
US07748656B1	Paper shredder blade A paper shredder blade includes a pair of cylindrical hobs, and each hob includes a polygonal shaft sheathed with many differential blades, allowing the differential blades to be assembled alternately. Each differential blade has two secondary blades, and an inner side of each secondary blade contains many bumps surrounding an inner rim of the secondary blade to increase a thickness and an intensity of the blade. Two abutted secondary blades are formed into one set of differential blade by abutting the bumps with the bumps, to save more than a half of materials of the differential blade, and to reduce a weight correspondingly. A cut-off edge of each secondary blade contains a reinforcing rib, allowing the edge to be thicker than the cut-off edge of an ordinary paper shredder. Therefore, when cutting off paper, the paper will not be jammed easily and can be cut off easily.
US07748650B1	Low profile attachment for emitting water The present invention provides an attachment for emitting water from a water source. The attachment comprises an inlet end, a transitional section connected to the inlet end, an outlet end connected to the transitional section opposite from the inlet end, and a reinforcement member attached to the transitional sectional and the outlet end to support the transitional section. The inlet end includes an external cover and an internal sleeve disposed within and spaced from the external cover.
US07748645B2	Control handle for a crop sprayer A crop sprayer, including: a chassis; a number of wheels which support the chassis; an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel said chassis; a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein; a boom arm mounted to the chassis including a plurality of nozzles operable for dispersing chemicals; a control handle for controlling the position of the boom arm and the dispersion of the chemicals through at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the control handle has an adjustable position to accommodate various size operators.
US07748641B2	Linking device having connecting member with thermal deformation absorbing structure A linking device has a connecting member for connecting a first rotation member and a second rotation member. The connecting member is connected to the first rotation member at a first connecting point and to the second rotation member at a second connecting point. The connecting member includes a thermal deformation absorbing part between the first connecting point and the second connecting point, and is adapted to absorb a change of distance between the first connecting point and the second connecting point due to thermal deformation.
US07748639B2	Control of a heating and cooling system for a multi-level space A heating and cooling system for a multi-level space is provided that comprises at least one lower level return air duct and at least one upper level return air duct, and a thermostat for controlling the operation of the heating or cooling system through either a low voltage cooling activation signal or a low voltage heating activation signal. The heating and cooling system further comprises a first motorized damper having connection means for receiving at least a low voltage heating activation signal from the thermostat, the first motorized damper being installed in each lower level return duct and configured to drive the damper to an open position when the connection means receives a low voltage heating activation signal, wherein the first motorized damper is operatively closed when the thermostat alternatively transmits a low voltage cooling activation signal such that the cooling system substantially receives no air flow through each lower level return air duct and effectively receives only air flow from the upper level of the space.
US07748638B2	Non-contact IC module An accessed object having a non-contact IC module including a semiconductor device and a module-side antenna formed extending over two sides of an accessed object, wherein the module-side antenna consists of a first module-side antenna and a second module-side antenna continuous to the first module-side antenna, wherein the first module-side antenna secures a necessary antenna effective area by coming into face-to-face relation with a first apparatus-side antenna on communication apparatus to communicate with the accessed object, and wherein the second module-side antenna is disposed close to the second apparatus-side antenna in an access direction different from the direction in which the first apparatus-side antenna makes access to the accessed object.
US07748635B2	Mobile communication terminal and program thereof In a cellular phone, a central control section generally locks a noncontact IC card function as an invalid state. When an ID of an external device to which the cellular phone approaches is already registered in a registration list, the central control section releases the lock to execute electronic payment processing. After that, the central control section locks the noncontact IC card function as the invalid state. Meanwhile, when the ID of the external device is not registered yet, in the case that a user instructs to release the lock, the central control section releases the lock to execute the electronic payment processing. When the external device is not registered yet, the ID of the external device is automatically registered in the registration list.
US07748634B1	Handheld electronic book reader device having dual displays A handheld electronic book reader device is equipped with dual displays. The device includes a first display for presenting visible representations of textual or graphic content related to the electronic book. The device also includes a second display positioned alongside the first display. The second display includes a plurality of graphic elements that correspond to portions of the first display. Also, the second display is responsive to user input to one of the graphic elements to perform an action on the content that is shown in the portion of the first display that corresponds to the one element.
US07748629B2	Extended working range illumination system for an imaging-based bar code reader A method and apparatus for reading a target object having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target such as a handheld bar code reader having a first illumination pattern, a detector for measuring a distance from the reader to a target object, a system threshold, and a comparator for evaluating the measured distance against the threshold. Should the reader's internal circuitry and/or software determine that the measured distance is greater than the threshold, a second illumination pattern is activated that has power effective illumination for increasing the operable reading distance between the reader and the target object. The second illumination pattern can be generated from a secondary illumination source or through a lens internal to the reader.
US07748626B2	Electronic menu display system employing a plurality of portable menus, each including an electronic-ink display label for displaying information updated by one or more activator modules within the restaurant An electronic menu display system for use in a restaurant, including a plurality of portable menus. Each portable menu includes an electronic-ink display label for displaying graphical indicia on the electronic-ink display label. One or more activation modules are located within the restaurant, for providing instructions employed in the determination of graphic indicia to be displayed on the electronic-ink display labels of said portable menus. The electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure. The electronic-ink display label displays graphical indicia representing information relating to the restaurant and/or food and/or beverages being served therein.
US07748623B2	Container screener A container screener apparatus that uses container barcode (e.g. Universal Product Code) scanning, and one or more container and/or container content property measurements (e.g. photograph, description, weighing, acoustic measurement), and container comparison data stored in a database to determine if a container passes or fails a container screening based on predetermined pass/fail criteria.
US07748622B2	Direct customer ERP access To improve upon existing ERP and other business logic handling system implementations, the claimed system and method provides direct customer access to functionality and data available in a merchant's business logic handling system. The claimed method and system includes installing functions of the business logic handling system at a portable computing device provided by the merchant or owned by a customer, and downloading data corresponding to functions installed at the portable computing device. The customer inputs requests to perform functions of the business logic handling system, and the functions are performed at the portable computing device and/or a system server, and the output of the function is displayed to the custom at the device.
US07748613B1	Automated transaction machine An ATM apparatus including a selectively removable sheet storage container supported within the secure chest portion. The sheet storage container is carried on a movable frame for movement into an operational position. The movable frame is movable from an out/down position to enable removal and replacement of the container, to an in/up position to place the container in the operative position. The frame is operatively supported through pivoting arm members for coordinated movement therewith. As the sheet storage container is moved into the operative position, a locking pin of a catch automatically slides into a locking recess to lock the storage container in the operative position and prevent movement of the frame. Upon operation of a lever, the locking pin is released and the frame moves toward the out/down position so that the sheet storage container can be removed and accessed.
US07748610B2	Packaging device and container for sheet objects This invention relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging a stack of sheet objects that have an attributable monetary value in a container (4), the device (1) comprising means (34, 35) for determining value data relating to the monetary value attributed to a sheet object to be stacked in the container (4), and an RF reader/writer (52) for writing said value data to an RFID device (21) associated with the container (4).
US07748608B2	Proximity payment card with printed indication of switch location An identification token includes a body and an RFID IC embedded in the body. An antenna is also embedded in the body and is coupled to the RFID IC. A switch is embedded in the body and coupled to at least one of the RFID IC and the antenna. The switch is located at a switch location in the body. The switch is actuatable by being pressed by a user's finger. The identification token also includes a printed indication on the body for indicating the switch location to the user of the identification token.
US07748607B2	Transaction product with removable articles A transaction product includes a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other products, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.
US07748603B2	Carton with handle A carton has a handle that allows a user to carry the carton when closed, and that extends to allow a user to carry the carton when the carton is in an open configuration. The carton includes gusseted end panels that create a partially closed bottom receptacle in the opened carton.
US07748599B2	Wire bonding method, wire bonding apparatus, and wire bonding control program The invention provides a wire bonding method which enables formation of a low loop having a height not exceeding two times the wire diameter and secures sufficient pull strength of the wire even with the low loop shape. After having formed a contact-bonded ball at a first bonding point, a capillary moves upward and then toward a second bonding point to press a side surface of an upper portion of the contact-bonded ball, so that a protruded portion is formed on a top portion of the contact-bonded ball on the side of the second bonding point. After having formed the protruded portion of the contact-bonded ball, the capillary moves upward, and then downward while moving toward the second bonding point to press the protruded portion, so that a wire drawing portion for drawing the wire from the top portion of the contact-bonded ball horizontally is formed.
US07748598B2	Method of joining clad metals and vessel produced thereby A method for joining clad metal plates having a protective layer (27), e.g. titanium, and a substrate layer (28), e.g. carbon steel, includes firstly removing margins (29) of protective layer along edges of the clad metal plates to be joined. The substrate layers are then welded together to form an exposed substrate weld (31). Covering material (38) of the same type as the protective layer (27) is then located along the exposed substrate weld (31) to a level substantially flush with an outer surface of the protective layer (27). The substrate layer (28) is heated prior to welding the covering material so that the covering material is pre-stressed when cooled. The method may be used to fabricate reaction vessels having seams that do not stand proud of the remainder of the interior surface of the vessel. The low profile seams are less susceptible to erosion than has been the case in the past so that longer-life vessels can be produced. The invention encompasses vessels such as autoclaves, crucibles and reaction vessels formed of clad plate joined by the method.
US07748597B2	Device for production of a tube The invention relates to a device (1) for production of a tube (2) with a polygonal, preferably rectangular cross-section, comprising a tube welding unit (3), in which the tube (2) is formed from a sheet metal strip and welded at the resulting jointing position and a rolling unit (4), connected to the tube welding unit (3) in the transport direction (R) of the tube (2), which essentially rolls the tube (2) into the desired polygonal cross-sectional contour. According to the invention, right-angled tubes may be produced with the optimal geometry, whereby a camber rolling unit (5) is arranged in series with the rolling unit (4) in the transport direction (R) of the tube (2), by means of which at least two opposing tube sides (6, 7) may be rolled with a pair of crowned convex rollers (8, 9).
US07748592B2	Friction stir welding device A friction stir welding device for welding an article by means of a welding tool, includes: a tool holding section configured to hold the welding tool and rotate round a predetermined reference axial line; rotation driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to rotate round the reference axial line; movement driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to move along the reference axial line; and a car body loaded with the tool holding section, the rotation driving unit and the movement driving unit, the car body being configured to travel above or below the article.
US07748591B2	Pressure foot clamp for friction stir welding machine Apparatus and methods for clamping and controlling flash around a manufacturing tool engaging a workpiece and preventing fill within the workpiece. In one embodiment, a clamp for securing a workpiece during a manufacturing operation includes a housing and a foot biased away from the housing, the foot defining an opening through which a manufacturing tool may pass to engage the workpiece. In another embodiment, the manufacturing tool is a rotating or counter-rotating shoulder friction stir spot welding tool. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the foot defines at least one recess for holding flashing.
US07748590B2	Ultrasonic welding apparatus An ultrasonic welding apparatus having an extractable sonotrode. The sonotrode having a non-threaded outer peripheral surface and a tapered mating surface that meets with a correspondingly tapered aperture formed in the end of the reed of the ultrasonic welding apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the ultrasonic welding apparatus includes a sonotrode removal mechanism for extracting the sonotrode from the reed.
US07748589B2	Spring energized desktop stapler A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.
US07748588B2	Powered nailing machine A magazine includes guide portions formed at a pair of side walls to be opposed to each other for introducing to guide a portion of a nail shaft portion, an opening portion formed on a base end side of a nose portion relative to the guide portion of one of the side walls, a first attaching portion formed on a front end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the one side wall, a second attaching portion formed on the base end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the other side wall, and a notched portion formed on the front end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the other side wall.
US07748586B2	Driving tool A driving tool in a form of a combustion type nail driving machine 1 for injecting a nail by combustion gas is provided. The driving tool includes a lower pusher which is arranged at a distal end in a projecting direction of a nose through which the nail passes, formed with an elongated hole, and adapted to come into contact with a wood, an upper pusher which is urged by the lower pusher, and an extending-contracting mechanism interposed between the lower pusher and the upper pusher. The extending-contracting mechanism includes a bush which is in contact with the upper pusher and formed with a threaded hole, and a screwing part which can be screwed into the threaded hole after passing through the elongated hole. The screwing part includes a bolt which connects the lower pusher and the bush, and a lever.
US07748581B2	Three-dimensional collar shape retaining hanger A three-dimensional collar shape retaining hanger prevents collars of a plurality of garments from being crushed and is capable of being stacked in a large number. The hanger has a hook portion and a hanger body. Between the hook portion and the hanger body, a connecting plate part which is a central collar supporting portion body is provided to connect the hook portion and the hanger body. A pair of first curved parts which protrudes toward a rear side of the hanger so as to abut on a rear neck portion of a collar is connected to right and left sides of the connecting plate part. To end portions of the first curved parts, a pair of second curved parts is connected at each distal end thereof. Each base end of the second curved parts is connected to the hanger body. A portion between the distal end and the base end of each of the second curved parts protrudes toward the front side of the hanger so as to abut on an inside of a front portion of the collar. By this structure, a curve on a rear neck portion of a collar is supported by the first curved parts while a curve on a front portion of the collar is supported by the second curved parts, thereby retaining a whole curve of the collar. Therefore, when a large number of garments hung on the three-dimensional collar shape retaining hangers are stacked, the collars are not crushed.
US07748577B2	Cartridge piston The cartridge piston has an outer wall, an inner support body and radial connection webs between the outer wall and the inner support body. In order to ensure a good sealing behavior under unilateral strain or asymmetric strain by a pressing plunger, a stiffening body connected to the connection webs is provided between the outer wall and the inner support body. The connection webs have a gap that extends at least up to half the height of the cartridge piston at the lower side of the cartridge piston between the outer wall and the stiffening body.
US07748575B2	Screw type material feeding apparatus A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of the rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from the screw rotary driving axis.
US07748572B2	Fluid dispenser and locking mechanism An aerosol fluid dispenser includes a movable actuator for controlling dispensing of the liquid or fluid product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator.
US07748569B2	Self-sealing auto-aligning magnetically-hanging spice dispenser A hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly and a container assembly for storing spices. The plate assembly comprises a non-magnetic planer plate and a plurality of magnetic elements embedded at pre-determined locations. The container assembly comprises a generally cylindrical spice container, a removable cap and a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element of the container assembly and the magnetic element of the plate assembly is exerted when the container assembly is placed in proximity to the plate assembly. The container assembly is capable of detaching from the bottom surface of the plate assembly when force is applied to the container assembly. The removable cap and the plate assembly form self-seal in order to prevent air and moisture from entering into the generally cylindrical container. This invention relates to spice dispensers, and the principal use of the invention is for dispensing spices in a kitchen.
US07748563B2	Reformed can end for a container and method for producing same An end member (130) for a container has a central panel (12) extending radially outwardly from a central axis. A first panel radius (114) is located along a peripheral edge of the central panel (12). A countersink (16) is integral with the first panel radius (114). A chuckwall (15) extends upwardly from the countersink (16) to a seaming curl (14) located at an outer perimeter of the end member (130). An approach point (134) is defined by a lower outer position of an axially stacked second end member (132). A bend (108) is located on the chuckwall (15). The bend (108) having an outwardly directed angle with a radius of curvature (RCW1) which adapted to position the chuckwall (15) radially outwardly of the approach point (134) and in spaced relationship thereto.
US07748562B2	Container device for an environmental humidity absorber with an anti-spill system Container device for an environmental humidity absorber with an anti-spill system which comprises A lower receptable to collect saline liquid with a recessed rib that fits into a peripheral flange in an outer part of a wall of a tray for hygroscopic material, disposed over the upper edge of the receptable; A drainage tube that extends vertically inserted in a central drainage hole of the receptable embedded into the base of the tray An upper lid with ventilation holes, a lateral peripheral flap over the tray wall and with a lower peripheral flange Recessed projections that fit into the complementary openings of respective horizontal recessed tongues that emerge from opposite sides of the lid, emerge from at least two respective opposing segments of the wall of the tray.
US07748551B2	Hot fill container with restricted corner radius vacuum panels A thin walled, plastic hot-fill container has a finish to receive a closure, a neck supporting the finish, a shoulder situated below the neck, a base, and a body between the shoulder and base. The body includes upper and lower margins defining a label mount area that includes a plurality of inwardly recessed vacuum panels separated by vertical posts. At least one indented reinforcing ring separates the upper and lower edges of the vacuum panels from the adjacent margins of the label mount area by a distance D. Each vacuum panel includes an inclined upper and lower margin of height H that is greater than distance D, and has corners defined by radius R, which is less than or equal to D. Lateral margins of each vacuum panel extend vertically between the corners and connect the adjacent posts to a central depressed region, each lateral margin being essentially perpendicular to the adjacent surface of the vacuum panel.
US07748549B1	Air hose coupling device The present invention describes an automatic hose connector for a railway car, comprising a coupler head adapted to mate with the corresponding coupler head of another railway car. The coupler head is comprised of concave and convex male and female coupling means, and each said coupling means includes an airway for joining with the corresponding airway of the coupler head of another railway car. Finally, there is at least one internal channel joining the male and female coupling means airways.
US07748546B2	Reinforced and bolted rack truss A rack truss for use in forming shelf-type storage racks which may be assembled at the site using bolts and/or which includes reinforcement at the lower level of the rack truss.
US07748545B2	Method and apparatus for retaining gas cylinders A storage and retention unit for gas cylinders is provided wherein a movable inner frame defines a plurality of cylinder receptacles which are indexed from an opening in a surrounding outer frame about an axis such that any cylinder within a receptacle is restrained by the outer frame and inner frame as it advances about the axis until the receptacle returns to the opening.
US07748542B2	Batch deposition tool and compressed boat Aspects of the invention include methods and apparatus for processing a batch of substrates. In one embodiment, a compressed substrate boat is configured to reduce pumping volume in a batch processing chamber. The compressed substrate boat comprises a stationary substrate boat and a movable substrate boat, each may be loaded/unloaded independently. The movable substrate boat and the stationary substrate boat may be interleaving with one another such that the distance between the substrates is reduced. In another embodiment, a substrate boat having removable substrate holder is configured to provide susceptors without dramatically increasing pumping volume. The removable substrate holder may be loaded/unloaded away from the substrate boat with susceptors. The removable substrate holder is engaged with the substrate boat such that substrates thereon are interleaving with the susceptors. Embodiments of the present invention reduces pumping volume and increases throughput, hence reduces cost of ownership during batch processing.
US07748540B2	Pallet packing tool A packing tool for packing large articles such as image forming apparatuses has a pallet to place the article, and an article-fixing member to secure the article to the pallet. The article-fixing member is accommodated in an accommodating section in the pallet. When securing the article to the pallet, the article-fixing member is pulled out and wound around the article.
US07748539B2	Packaged body A packaged body includes: a prism-shaped packaging box 1 having a bottom; a pair of top and bottom shock absorbers 30 accommodated inside packaging box 1 for sandwiching a substrate storage container 10; elastic members 50 disposed between substrate storage container 10 and each shock absorber 30; and reinforcements 60 for reinforcing each of shock absorbers 30. Further, shock absorber 30 is formed as a shock absorbing element 31 that fits substrate storage container 10, a surrounding wall 32 of the shock absorbing element 31 is constructed of an inner wall 35 that is bent and formed along the periphery of shock absorbing element 31, a protrusion 36 that is formed from inner wall 35 so as to project outwards and an outer wall 37 that is formed from protrusion 36 so as to be spaced from, and oppose, inner wall 35 of shock absorbing element 31.
US07748536B2	Container for snack foods A snack holder includes a generally cylindrical cup sized and shaped lower section and a larger container or multiple container upper or adjacent section for holding snack foods, additional cups and the like. The snack holder is formed from a single sheet of paper or foldable material that is cut and folded into a desired configuration having a lower or bottom frustoconical or truncated cylindrical section, and an upper generally rectangular parallelepiped container section.
US07748534B2	Package for goods A package comprises an outer package (2) having two members (20, 21) connected to one another via a flexible web portion (22). Each member (20, 21) comprises a base panel (200, 210) and two opposite side wall panels (201, 202, 211, 212). One of the side wall panels (201, 211) has an attachment (204, 214) portion extending towards the opposite side wall panel (202, 212). An inner package comprises blister pack members (3) comprising an edge portion (304, 314) attached to the attachment portion (204,214) of the outer package member (20, 21) such, that in a closed state the goods carried by the blister pack member are facing towards the base panel (200,210). The members (20,21) are folded towards each other via the flexible web portion (22). In an open state the outer package members (20, 21) are unfolded and the members (3) can be accessed by folding the blister pack member (30, 31) away from the opposite side (202, 212) wall panel.
US07748530B2	Welding wire package A package for containing and dispensing wire from a coil of welding wire. The package having an outer layer with a bottom and an outer side wall having an upper edge defining a box opening for removing the wire from the package. The package further including an inner core positioned within the inner cylindrical opening of the wire coil wherein the inner core has a base supported by the package bottom and an oppositely facing core top. The core base being generally maintained relatively to the package bottom to prevent the core from “walking-up” the wire coil and the core top being allowed to tilt as the wire exits the package.
US07748528B2	Convertible packaging A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration.
US07748523B2	Automated handling line guide rail assembly An automated handling line guide rail assembly. The automated handling line guide rail assembly comprises a guide rail that defines the perimeter of a path of a container when conveyed along part of an automated handling line. The path and hence the perimeter are arcuate about a center and positioned at a radius from the center. The guide rail is movable radially to define the perimeter at a plurality of different radii from substantially the same center and the guide rail comprises at least three segments. The first segment is driveable in a substantially radial direction; the second segment is connected to the first segment by a link and the third segment is connected to the second segment by a link such that the second and third segments follow movement of the first segment. The first and second segments and the second and third segments are arranged in superposition to overlap and are provided with a slideable link between overlapping portions to allow relative circumferential movement between the first and second segments and the second and third segments as the segments move radially inwardly and outwardly.
US07748521B2	Conveyor-belt wear detector A conveyer belt abrasion detecting apparatus which can automatically detect a conveyer belt abrasion quantity easily and accurately during operation. A plurality of magnet sheets (M1-M5) magnetized in a thickness direction are arranged so that polarities on the surface are in the same direction and are embedded deeper stepwise in a longitudinal direction of a belt main body (2). A magnetic sensor (4) for detecting changes of the magnetic forces of the magnet sheets (M1-M5) is arranged at a position where the magnet sheets (M1-M5) pass through.
US07748517B2	Signature transport device A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.
US07748516B2	Construction element for a device for forward feeding of product carrier and a device comprising such a construction element Construction element for a device for forward feeding of product carriers (16), which construction element comprises a first beam section (14) presenting a main rail (15) intended to carry product carriers (16) movably resting on said main rail (15), a second beam section presenting a console intended to carry an endless belt (1) or chain, which is intended to contribute to the forward feeding of said product carrier (16), and guiding means (19) running along said main rail (15) intended to retain product carriers (16) on the main rail (15), and also a device for forward feeding of product carriers including such a construction element.
US07748513B2	Vending machine A vending machine for discharging merchandises by inserting a coin to operate a discharge merchandise retention member by a handle. The vending machine includes: a notch provided at a front face of a body to open upward, and a control panel attached with the notch in a detachable manner, the control panel including the handle and a coin sorting unit.
US07748511B1	Vending system for wheeled vehicles A system for vending wheeled vehicles, such as strollers for children. The system includes a vehicle station having a series of docking ports with an operator's console connected thereto. Each docking port has a lock and release mechanism for engaging a striker pin of a wheeled vehicle engaged in the docking port. Upon appropriate signals from the operator's console, a vehicle discharge element in the docking port moves the wheeled vehicle when the lock and release mechanism is activated to disengage the striker pin, moving the wheeled vehicle from the locked position and making the availability of the wheeled vehicle obvious.
US07748509B2	Ground power supply system for electric vehicle The inventive power supply system (1) comprises a ground placed power supply device (2) provided with at least one linear supply wire (7) connected to a voltage supply, a rail (6) comprising at least one zero reset conductor strip (8) and at least one protective profile in a flat L-shaped position profile masking the conductor wire. The system also comprises an on-board current sensing device (3) comprising at least one movable sensing subassembly (38) comprising a power sliding contactor (41) and a zero volts sliding contactor (42) which are electrically connected to the vehicle load circuits and used for slidingly contacting the supply wire and the zero reset conductor strip. The invention is useful for manufacturers of public transport vehicles and the lines therefor.
US07748508B2	Wheeled luggage case The present invention provides a wheeled luggage case having a luggage receptacle, the receptacle having a bottom wall, a top wall, opposed end walls and opposed side walls forming a luggage compartment, wherein said luggage case further comprises:—(I) a plurality of support wheels located at one end of the bottom wall; (II) a retractable steering wheel assembly or assemblies, located on the bottom wall, distanced from the support wheels, said steering wheel assembly being moveable between an active position in which the wheel assembly extends below the bottom wall of the luggage receptacle and an inactive position in which the wheel assembly is substantially within the profile of the luggage receptacle; (III) a handle means located at one end of the luggage receptacle for steering, pushing, pulling and lifting purposes wherein when the steering wheel assembly is in an active position the base wall forms an acute angle with respect to the ground.
US07748506B2	Bicycle damping enhancement system A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.
US07748503B2	Cable fixing point for fastening at least one cable and elevator with at least one cable fixing point for at least one cable A cable fixing point for fastening at least one cable includes a cable end fastening for the cable end and a rotary mounting for the cable end fastening, wherein the rotary mounting enables rotation of the cable end fastening about an axis and the axis can be aligned by a tension force acting on the cable. In an elevator for transporting at least one load carrier by at least one cable movable in its longitudinal direction wherein the respective cable at the cable end is disposed under a tension force, the direction of which is variable in dependence on a position of the load carrier, this cable fixing point permits rotation of the cable at the cable fixing point about an axis which is aligned in the respective direction of the tension force and/or in the respective longitudinal direction of a cable segment adjoining the cable fixing point.
US07748502B2	Elevator apparatus In an elevator apparatus, a single car is raised and lowered by a plurality of hoisting machines. An elevator control device for controlling the hoisting machines generates speed commands separately for the hoisting machines. When a current value of one of the hoisting machines reaches a current set value, which is set in advance during acceleration of the car, the elevator control device applies the speed command for that one of the hoisting machines, whose current value has reached the current set value, to the other hoisting machine as well.
US07748498B2	Access ladder with plungers An access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor. The ladder comprises a plurality of sections which telescope open and closed, and from a bottom section each section telescopes open to positively lock to the section below it with plungers that lock and unlock each section in sequence as the sections open and close, respectively. A method for using an access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor
US07748492B2	Electric power steering device An electric power steering device (1) is provided which transmits output rotation of an electric motor for generating a steering assist force (16) to a steering mechanism (64) via a driving gear (22) and a driven gear (21). A housing (8) has a support hole (28) for supporting one end portion (23) of a shaft (20) co-rotatable with the driving gear (22) via a bearing (26) in such a manner as to permit the one end portion (23) to be offset toward the driven gear (21) radially of the driving gear (22). A biasing member (33) which biases the driving gear (22) toward the driven gear (21) includes an arcuate main portion (47) fitted around an outer peripheral surface (58) of an outer ring (36) of the bearing (26) and opposed to an inner peripheral surface (42) of the support hole (28). A pair of movement restriction portions (50, 51) which restrict circumferential movement of the main portion (47) are respectively provided at a pair of arc ends (48, 49) of the main portion (47). A resilient tongue (52) which biases the driving gear (22) toward the driven gear (21) via the bearing (26) is provided only on one of the movement restriction portions (50).
US07748491B2	Power transmission structure To enhance assembly and maintenance of a rear wheel suspension. Rear wheel axles extend to the left and right from a final case supported on a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and rear wheels are independently suspended from left and right portions of a vehicle body. On the left and right sides of the final case, the rear wheel axles are connected to a left-side joint and a right-side joint, and the left-side joint is detachably attached to a side surface of the final case by a separate holder fitted with a driven sprocket meshed with a chain. A joint portion shaft of the right-side joint is borne on the final case through a bearing, a brake disk is attached thereto, and the joint portion shafts are spline connected. In assembling or disassembling, the separate holder can be attached and detached through petal-like cutouts formed in the driven sprocket.
US07748489B2	Agricultural header presence sensor with traction control An agricultural combine for supporting an agricultural header and carrying that agricultural header to a field to harvest a crop. The combine includes a chassis, front and rear drive wheels, a hydraulic motor, a device for sensing and a controller. The front and rear drive wheels support the chassis. The hydraulic motor is drivingly coupled to the front wheels. The device for sensing senses a presence of a header mounted to the combine. The controller is configured to monitor the device for sensing and to change the specific displacement of the hydraulic motor dependent upon the presence of the agricultural header.
US07748488B2	Steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle and method for operating a steering system The invention relates to a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, especially for a tractor. An electric drive (22, 24) is provided for each half of an axle, preferably a front axle (20), of the utility vehicle (10). Said electric drive can be driven by at least one wheel (26) associated with the each axle half. The electric drive (22, 24) can be controlled in such a manner that predetermined torque can be transmitted from the electric drive (22, 24) to the wheel (26) which is being driven. Preferably, the wheels (14) associated with a mechanical drive axle, particularly a rear axle (12) of the utility vehicle (10), can be driven by a mechanical drive (16, 18) of the utility vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a method for operating a steering system. The aim of the invention is to enable traction forces to be transmitted by wheels (26) driven by the electric drives (22, 24), even when the utility vehicle (10) negotiates bends, whereby particular braking torque should be prevented on said wheels (26) in specific steering angles. The torque which is to be transmitted to the wheel on the outside of the bend is greater that the torque which is to be transmitted to the wheel on the inside of the wheel in order to support or effect the steering of the utility vehicle.
US07748482B2	Accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes an inverter operatively connected to a direct current battery. The inverter is configured to convert the direct current from the battery into three-phase alternating current. The accessory drive system also includes a transmission having a first motor/generator operable to drive the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator is a Y-connected three phase motor/generator that defines a first neutral point. A second motor/generator is connected to an accessory and to the first neutral point. Output from the battery is transferable through the first neutral point to the second motor/generator such that the accessory is driven at a selectable rate.
US07748470B2	Combination garden tiller and sprinkler head grass trimmer Apparatus for trimming grass around sprinkler heads or tending a small garden area includes a tubular member having a plurality of serrations formed on one end for cutting grass around such sprinkler heads. A housing member partially disposed for reciprocal movement within the tubular member. A plate disposed for closing one end of housing member and having an outer periphery engageable with an inner surface of such tubular member for guiding during reciprocal movement. A second guide disposed around outer periphery of such housing member intermediate each end thereof. Another elongated rod like member engages an end of such first elongated rod like member. A caged biasing means is disposed over the second rod like member for absorbing shock during use of apparatus and a mechanism for manipulating the apparatus while trimming such grass around such sprinkler head or tending such small garden area.
US07748460B2	Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.
US07748459B2	Annular pressure monitoring during hydraulic fracturing A pressure or flow responsive valve is provided in a hydraulic fracturing assembly so that if the formation sands out during proppant pumping and pressure in the bypass to the annulus around the work string rises, the bypass is closed by the valve to prevent overpressure of lower pressure rated components further uphole from the formation being treated. These components could be large casing or the blowout preventer assembly.
US07748450B2	Gas wellhead extraction system and method A method and apparatus for automating control, remotely monitoring, and controlling a gas extraction assembly, coupled to a gas pipeline section. The gas extraction assembly may be used to increase gas volume, and/or overall gas flow from productive low or high pressure wells, as well as “wake-up” or recover lowered production from depleting wells. Two features of the gas extraction assembly of the present invention is the capability of creating substantial differential pressure, along with the ability to create substantial vacuum pressure on the suction inlet.
US07748446B2	Seismic source and method of generating a seismic wave in a formation A Seismic source comprising an actuator having a rotary part (104) and a reciprocative part (105), conversion means (109) in the form of corrugated surfaces to convert a rotation of the rotary part (104) into a reciprocal movement of the reciprocative part (105), and a vibrator body (106) that is connected to the reciprocative part (105) of the actuator by means of a spring (107).
US07748444B2	Method and apparatus for connecting, installing, and retrieving a coiled tubing-conveyed electrical submersible pump A wellhead system has a wellhead of a subterranean hydrocarbon well, a coiled tubing hanger in the wellhead, a coiled tubing hanger extension connected to a top portion of the coiled tubing hanger, a first seal inside the coiled tubing hanger extension, the first seal and the coiled tubing hanger extension defining a sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension. Coiled tubing extends into the sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension and being suspended by the coiled tubing hanger and the coiled tubing hanger extension, the coiled tubing extending into the wellhead. A downhole electrical cable extends through the coiled tubing and into the sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension. An electrical connector extends through the seal and is connected electrically to the cable. The electrical connector has an electrical circuit having an electrically open and an electrically closed position.
US07748440B2	Patterned structure for a thermal interface The present invention provides a thermal interface with a first and a second face that are in contact to each other by a thermal conducting material. A first face includes grooves that are at least partly filled with the thermal conducting material, wherein at least two types of grooves are arranged, namely first grooves having a larger width than second grooves. The first face comprises an array with protrusions that are confined by the second grooves, the array being divided by the first grooves into sub-arrays.
US07748439B2	Heat extractor for magnetic reader-writer A heat extractor to transfer heat generated by the coil of a magnetic read head to a substrate, when there is at least one thermally insulating layer between the coil and the substrate, is disclosed, together with a method for its manufacture.
US07748436B1	Evaporator for capillary loop The apparatus is a capillary loop evaporator in which the vapor space is the internal volume of a cup shaped evaporator wick with sidewalls in full contact with the outer casing of the evaporator. Liquid is furnished to the wick through thicker wick wall sections, slabs protruding from the liquid-vapor barrier wick, eccentric wick cross sections, or tunnel arteries. The tunnel arteries can also be formed within heat flow reducing ridges protruding into the vapor space. The tunnel arteries can be fed liquid by bayonet tubes or cable arteries, and can be isolated from the heat source with regions of finer wick to impede vapor flow into the liquid. Tunnel arteries also enable separation of the evaporator and the reservoir for thermal isolation and structural flexibility. A wick within the reservoir aids collection of liquid in low gravity applications.
US07748431B2	Track and guide system for a door A vertically operating door and its drive system can be configured to push a door panel along a track to various overhead storage configurations including vertical, horizontal, inclined and coiled. Semi-flexible drive strips extend continuously along lateral edges of the curtain. The system includes a drive gear that engages a series of projections on at least one drive strip so that the gear can push the door between its open and closed positions. To protect the door from being damaged by collisions, the track can include a breakaway feature that allows at least a portion of the panel with its drive strip to separate from the track without permanent distortion. The drive strip and panel remain together as they break away from the track. The threshold of the breakaway force can be changed by selecting a retention strip from a plurality of interchangeable strips having different degrees of flexibility.
US07748429B2	Patio cover and storm protection device An adjustable patio cover and storm protection device capable of remote operation which acts as a security screen that prevents access through a doorway or window to which it is coupled, reduces the amount of light able to pass through the doorway or window, and also acts as a storm barricade when in its closed or down/vertical position, and which acts as an awning or sun shade that provides shade for the area in front of the door or window to which it is coupled when it is in its open or up/horizontal position.
US07748428B2	Device for placing a suspended label on a bottleneck A device for placing suspended labels including a multiple-page information section onto a bottleneck. The device includes a bottle conveying device for conveying bottles into a work area, and an application device having a pair of essentially parallel cantilevers which define a horizontal distance therebetween and end in the work area. Each cantilever includes a supply unit for grasping one side of the suspended label and for supplying the suspended label, wherein the cantilevers define an open intermediate space therebetween and are arranged such that a bottle reaching the work area extends with its neck into the intermediate space. A stop is provided in the area of the supply units for straightening the information portion of the suspended label.
US07748426B2	Envelope closing mechanism and method for closing an envelope An envelope closing mechanism with a deflector (11; 61) for urging a flap (6) of an envelope (3) from the transport path (20; 70); and a moistener (7) for moistening at least a portion of the flap (6) of an envelope (3). The deflector (11; 61) is movable between a position of rest on a side of the transport path (20; 70) located opposite the moistener, and a deflecting position on the other side of the transport path (20; 70) for urging the flap (6) of the envelope (3) against the moistener (7). If the deflector (11, 61) is in the deflecting position, it releases the transport path (20; 70) for transporting the envelope (3) along the deflector (11, 61). From a position in which the flap (6) of the envelope (3) extends between the moistener (7) and the deflector (11) in a deflecting position, the envelope (3), following the transport path (20; 70) is transported along the deflector (11) in the deflecting position with the fold leading. A method for closing envelopes is also described.
US07748425B2	Backing film wind-up in a fiber placement machine A method and apparatus are provided, for handling the backing film in a fiber placement process, by winding-up the backing film, into a roll, as the backing film is separated from a fiber tow. The backing film is wound-up in such a manner that it can be fed back out to rejoin the tow, should it be necessary to rewind a portion of the tow during the fiber placement process. The backing film may be wound onto a paper or cardboard core for ease of removal and handling.
US07748424B2	Filament winding apparatus and methods of winding filament The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding filament to create a structure. In one embodiment, the invention includes the application of filament to a rotating mandrel to create a desired shape. The invention includes the filament winding of both simple and complex shapes.
US07748421B2	Portable apparatus for reducing vegetation and method for using same The concept of using a cutting element proximate the end of an excavator or similar device, along with the concept of using a cogged belt pulley configuration, an overhead load adaptor, a single- or multiple-pivoting drum configuration, and other concepts disclosed herein. The present invention also provides an improvement of the prior art by providing a chipping action, which is according to the present invention an improvement over prior art shredding configurations.
US07748416B2	Visual fuel system for an engine welder A fueling assembly for a fuel tank positioned in an engine driven welder. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel level monitor and a grommet. The filler tube has a bottom portion and a top portion. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level sensor position in the fuel tank and/or filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level indicator positioned on the housing to enable an operator to view the fuel level indicator and the opening used to direct fuel into the filler tube during the filling of the fuel tank.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10